The Kampala Capital City Authority has taken over management of all city markets and abattoirs following a directive by President Yoweri Museveni to have elections for management of these facilities.
The minister of state for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Benny Namugwanya told the press in Kampala on Friday, that the president wrote to them on 25th September 2020, directing for the immediate removal of Association Leaders from Government markets in Kampala, to pave way for election of new leaders.
The president’s directive followed several complaints by market venders and those operating in abattoirs over exploitation by cliques of leaders that have overtime hijacked the administration of markets and market associations.
The ministry for Kampala established an inter-ministerial committee comprised of officials from the Trade ministry, KCCA and Local government Ministry to study the issues raised by the President.
Now, Namugwanya says the committee has resolved that all current leaders be removed immediately, KCCA takes over management of the markets and abattoirs, collection of multiple fees being charged by the current market leadership and decide on one annual fee.
The committee further decided to conclude the repossession of markets and abattoirs for development by government for the common man and have the cost of electricity be as prescribed by UMEME and that 20litre jerrycan of water should not cost more than UGX50 only.
The minister appealed to all market and abattoir vendors to as well as operators to remain calm as the ministry streamlines operations in markets to ensure their prosperity and conclusively address exploitation by unscrupulous elements.
“We note with concern that in some markets and abattoirs, vendors/traders are trying to exploit the situation by hijacking the leadership. We want to warn them that what they are doing is illegal and we shall not hesitate to deal with them decisively” Namugwanya warned.