Senior Reporter
The authorities in Kabale District have attributed the prolonged delay in addressing critical issues regarding Kabale Central Market to the Ministry of Local Government.
Last January, Minister of Local Government, Honorable Raphael Magyezi, initiated a committee chaired by Kabale’s Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Ronald Andrew Bakak. Their task was to investigate complaints from legitimate vendors who were excluded from the relocation process to Kabale Central Market.
The committee was mandated to review essential documents like memoranda of understanding, national identity cards, and allocation slips from each vendor to uncover any discrepancies in the verification and distribution process. By June of the same year, the committee had concluded its investigation and submitted a detailed report with findings and recommendations to the minister, aimed at resolving the grievances of affected vendors.
However, during a meeting organized by the Parliamentary Committee of Public Service and Local Government, chaired by Dodoth West Member of Parliament, Baatom Ben Koryong, today at Kabale Municipal headquarters, Kabale RDC, Godfrey Nyakahuma, expressed disappointment over the Ministry of Local Government’s lack of action since the report submission. Nyakahuma stressed that the ministry’s inaction has contributed to unrest among vendors, resulting in protests and insecurity in the area.
Chairman of the Kabale Central Market Lock-up Owners Association, Reverend Canon Jack Katarishangwa, emphasized that they are now requesting compensation from the government to vacate the market premises and explore alternative livelihood options.
Kabale Municipality Mayor, Emmanuel Sentaro Byamugisha, mentioned that the municipality lacks the financial means to compensate vendors. He proposed that the issue be addressed under the Market Act and by the Ministry of Local Government, rather than through his office. However, Engineer Emmanuel Mwebesa, responsible for infrastructure at the Ministry of Local Government, when questioned about the matter, stated that it is beyond his jurisdiction and deferred it to the minister.
