The minister for the Presidency, Kabakumba Masiko has lauded the efforts of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to evict vendors from the streets of Kampala.
In a report to Parliament on Monday afternoon, Kabakumba noted that day- one has been successful and that the enforcement team was effective. She informed Parliament that some vendors have already occupied the 8,000 stalls in 69 markets. KCCA advises the vendors to continue with registration in the different markets identified by the authority.
Nabilah Sempala, Kampala Woman MP noted that most of the markets in Kampala are not new and government has been improving the areas. Some of the markets such as Wandegeya are awaiting demolition to pave way for improved facilities, a development that leaves some vendors stranded because they are looking for places to relocate.
Nabilah says vendors are people who deserve to be listened to. She complained of how police disrupted a meeting on Monday morning called by the Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago. She demanded to know who is in charge of KCCA.
Hatwib Katoto, MP Katerera County observed that these vendors should be given a better alternative. They should not be tossed around by promising them spaces in the market yet there are none. Katoto wondered why the state should allow the vendors to operate during the election period yet evict them after elections.
Latif Ssebaggala, Kawempe North and his Kawempe South counterpart, Sebuliba Mutumba, say with the current economic crisis it is unfair to evict vendors. They blame government for rendering many families jobless and their livelihood is now at stake. The two argue that there are no genuine plans of relocating the vendors. They suggested that parliament suspends the eviction.
But NRM MPs are reading the eviction from a different page .James Kakooza, MP Kabula County noted that the genuine traders are the one suffering the most. In some of the buildings in Kampala, traders pay rent in dollars yet illegal traders are left to go without paying taxes. John Nasasira, the government Chief Whip agreed with Kakooza saying there is need to have licensed vendors and not illegal ones. Nasasira asked the opposition to join hands with government in restoring order in the city.
Komuhangi Margaret, Nakasongola MP says Jeniffer Musisi, the KCCA director is a lady who respects the law. She noted that there is no way Musisi will work without hurting anybody. Komuhangi however argued that government has a responsibility of relocating the vendors properly.
Kumi County MP, Patrick Amuriat moved a motion that the house to suspend the eviction of vendors in Kampala. He noted that the matter of eviction and relocation should be referred to an appropriate committee of parliament.
Wadri Kasiano, the Terego MP supported the motion saying the abrupt nature of the eviction is very questionable. Amidst booing from other MPs, Wadri said these people have nothing to look forward to other than the streets to earn a living. Wadri said he was not opposing the relocation of vendors but that the transition should be smooth.
But soon after the debate and a vote, it was discovered that the number of MPs who voted was not enough. Nandala Mafabi, Leader of opposition pointed out that the house had not enough quorum to take a vote. For Parliament to take a decision on any contentious matter, one third (125) of its members have to be present.
Deputy Speaker, Jacob Oulanya later ruled that the house did not have the competence to take a vote. He said that the house fell short by two MPs.
