Staff Reporter
The Kisoro Chief Magistrate Court, under the guidance of His Worship Komakech Kenneth, has scheduled July 10, 2024, for the ruling on the case between Bufumbira North Member of Parliament, Hon. Kamara John Nizeyimana, and Mupaka Town Council regarding disputes over Kamara Market.
Last month, Hon. Kamara filed a lawsuit against Mupaka Town Council, seeking judicial intervention over what he claims is unfair treatment by the council and its agencies. Both parties presented their arguments in court yesterday.
Hon. Kamara is represented by Counsel Ayesiga Rebecca from Beitwenda & Company Advocates, while Mupaka Town Council is represented by the Mbarara Attorney General, Twinomugisha Brian.
In her submissions, Ayesiga Rebecca stated that Hon. Kamara had legally established a private market on his 1.8-acre land in Mupaka Town Council. She argued that the town council’s demand for a 45 million shilling market operating license fee is unjustified. She pointed out that when Hon. Kamara had previously offered the market to the town council, they paid him only 5 million shillings per year. She questioned the rationale behind the council now demanding nine times that amount. Other issues raised by Counsel Rebecca include excessive taxation on market commodities, selective allocation of commodities within Kamara Market, and inappropriate involvement by the town clerk in a private market’s operations.
In response, Solicitor General Twinomugisha Brian referenced Article 189 of the Constitution, which permits local governments to levy and collect taxes as per the law. He urged the court to dismiss the case without awarding costs, asserting that the complainant lacks evidence to substantiate the claimed damages.
Hon. Kamara is seeking 500 million shillings in general damages if the suit is successful. After hearing both sides, Chief Magistrate Komakech adjourned the ruling to Wednesday, July 10th.
