There is a lot of growth springing from the discovery of oil in the
Albertine region. Residents are reaping big and their towns are growing
big owning to the increasing population and activities. Photo by Ismail
Kezaala
Kijura
is a lively and commercial suburb in Masindi Town that does not go to
sleep, teeming with business activity for most part of the day and
night. It is strategically located in the Central Division along the
Masindi- Hoima Road ,one kilometre from the town. The suburb has carved a
name for itself attracting people from all walks of life and is divided
into two; Kijura North and South with three cells.
The
discovery of commercial viable oil in Bunyoro Region created
excitement, especially among business minded individuals. However,
despite Bunyoro having many places where one can invest, some have
failed to find where to start from partly due to lack of knowledge on
some places. One cannot underestimate the potential of Kijura cell.
Recent development
The area is largely urban with a mix of indigenous people, a large student population and a fast growing business class. People in the area are mainly engaged in selling foodstuffs, merchandise, and construction especially commercial houses and rentals.
The area has grown over the years attracting new people and setting a new course in its development.
Solomon Barungi, a former chairperson of the area says the Kigumba- Kabwoya- Kagadi- Kyenjojo Road has attracted people in the area since it is a major oil road. In fact, Kijura’s surging population is a blessing, according to Barungi. It has led to a shift of some businesses from the main town to the suburb.
“Kijura is going to lead and Masindi Town will be left out because traders are shifting from the centre of the town and are doing business in Kijura as it is now a catchment area for customers owing to the huge population,” he says.
He adds, “Here in Kijura, we do business beyond midnight, but in town, they close at around 9 pm and proceed to their homes.”
The area is largely urban with a mix of indigenous people, a large student population and a fast growing business class. People in the area are mainly engaged in selling foodstuffs, merchandise, and construction especially commercial houses and rentals.
The area has grown over the years attracting new people and setting a new course in its development.
Solomon Barungi, a former chairperson of the area says the Kigumba- Kabwoya- Kagadi- Kyenjojo Road has attracted people in the area since it is a major oil road. In fact, Kijura’s surging population is a blessing, according to Barungi. It has led to a shift of some businesses from the main town to the suburb.
“Kijura is going to lead and Masindi Town will be left out because traders are shifting from the centre of the town and are doing business in Kijura as it is now a catchment area for customers owing to the huge population,” he says.
He adds, “Here in Kijura, we do business beyond midnight, but in town, they close at around 9 pm and proceed to their homes.”
Cost of land and rent
Munaku James, the Kijura area chairperson says land used to be bought cheaply between Shs1m and Shs3.5m for 50x100 plot in the trading centre, especially between 2000 and 2008. However, since oil was discovered in the Albertine Graben, cost of land and services has increased astronomically.
Munaku James, the Kijura area chairperson says land used to be bought cheaply between Shs1m and Shs3.5m for 50x100 plot in the trading centre, especially between 2000 and 2008. However, since oil was discovered in the Albertine Graben, cost of land and services has increased astronomically.
Land within Kijura cell goes for Shs7m-
Shs20m for 50 x 100 feet for a residential house. However, for a
commercial plot along the main road, one needs between Shs40 to Shs50m.
Meanwhile, buying a plot of land with a commercial house goes for Shs150
to Shs250m.
Cost of rent for a commercial house ranges between Shs150,000 and shs250,000. However, Munaku says this depends on how you have designed your commercial house and its location within the suburb.
Rent for residential houses in Kijura is between Shs50,000 and Shs200,000 for a self-contained house and Shs30,000 to Shs70,000 for single and double rooms.
Cost of rent for a commercial house ranges between Shs150,000 and shs250,000. However, Munaku says this depends on how you have designed your commercial house and its location within the suburb.
Rent for residential houses in Kijura is between Shs50,000 and Shs200,000 for a self-contained house and Shs30,000 to Shs70,000 for single and double rooms.
Security
Cases of theft still exist with a few thieves still lurking in the area.
“In terms of security, we are not yet safe. People are still complaining that thieves break into their houses,” he says. A large number of night foot patrols by police officers from the Masindi Police Station and soldiers from the army barracks has been deployed to secure the area of hard core criminals. However, the chairperson blames theft on unemployment since a large number of students living in the area do not go back to their homes after completing studies thereby engaging in such acts.
Cases of theft still exist with a few thieves still lurking in the area.
“In terms of security, we are not yet safe. People are still complaining that thieves break into their houses,” he says. A large number of night foot patrols by police officers from the Masindi Police Station and soldiers from the army barracks has been deployed to secure the area of hard core criminals. However, the chairperson blames theft on unemployment since a large number of students living in the area do not go back to their homes after completing studies thereby engaging in such acts.
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