Mugabe R
Mobile traders in Kebisoni Open Market, situated in Kebisoni Town Council, Rukungiri District, are currently in a dispute with the Town Council authorities due to their actions of blocking the road leading to the market ground and constructing a building in the middle of the market area.
Kebisoni Market operates twice a month along Kwebangira road, which connects residents of Kabingo, Karuhembe, and Mabanga parishes to Kebisoni Town. This road is maintained by the District.
On Monday, November 6th, 2023, traders were surprised to find a building being constructed in the middle of the road, a space that was previously occupied by over ten people, without any prior notice. Initially, business activities were disrupted, but they later resumed after discussions with various local officials, including David Kwebangira, the District Councilor representing Kebisoni Town Council, Mayor Kebisoni Town Council Alex Mugabe Nathan, and GISO Kebisoni Town Council.
Kamugisha George Kikaito, Ahimbisibwe Moses, and Kagame Paul, who are senior mobile traders, expressed their concerns about this development, describing it as corrupt, a violation of rules and regulations, and the start of land encroachment in the district.
Deus Ahimbisibwe, the Chairperson of Rukungiri Mobile Traders Association, expressed shock at finding a building on a space they had been using for over 20 years without any prior notice. He pledged that they would take their concerns to the relevant authorities for resolution.
David Kwebangira, the District Councilor representing Kebisoni Town Council, lamented the unfortunate disruption of Kebisoni Market, which generates a monthly income of 1,050,000 for the Town Council. He also stated that there had been no official clearance from the District authorities allowing Kebisoni Town Council to divert the road to another location.
Alex Mugabe Nathan, the Chairperson of LC3 Kebisoni Town Council, acknowledged the mistake of starting construction without informing the traders. He justified the building project by explaining that it is part of their physical planning for the area. He added that they plan to transform the market into a central market, introducing stalls and gates that can be locked in the evening and opened in the morning, along with the diversion of the road.
