Senior Reporter
The Parliamentary Public Service and Local Government Committee has attributed the misallocation of funds for the disputed Kabale Central Market construction to the Kabale Municipality Authorities’ misguidance of the Ministry of Local Government.
Valued at Shs 23 Billion, the construction of the Kabale Central Market was undertaken by the Chinese Chong Chuing International Construction Company, as part of the World Bank-funded Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Program – MATIP III.
During a recent meeting at Kabale Municipal headquarters, Jimmy Lwanga, the Member of Parliament for Njeru Municipality, expressed dissatisfaction with Kabale Municipality’s failure to adhere to agreements and Memorandum of Understanding with lockup owners before presenting the land title to the Ministry of Local Government. Lwanga stressed that the Ministry and MATIP prioritize funding for market construction rather than resolving land disputes.
Chairing the meeting, Baatom Ben Koryong, the Member of Parliament for Dodoth West, advised Kabale Municipality to take responsibility for resolving market-related issues as a local government entity, clarifying that the Ministry’s role is solely to provide funding and guidance.
In response, Kabale Municipality Mayor, Emmanuel Sentaro Byamugisha, asserted the municipality’s ownership of the land, supported by the existence of the title deed. He maintained that any addendums or Memorandum of Understanding were executed after acquiring the land title.
