Chairpersons of four major markets in Kampala Central Business district have denied claims that there are empty spaces in the market to accommodate street vendors. These include Nakasero, Owino, park yard and Kisekka markets.
The market chairperson disclosed this on Tuesday during a visit by Erias Lukwago, Lord Mayor Kampala Capital City Authority-KCCA to ascertain the availability of space to accommodate evicted street vendors.
Prior to the eviction of street vendors Jennifer Musisi, KCCA executive director claimed that there were over 8000 spaces in various city markets to accommodate the vendors. But Godfrey Kakooza, the chairman Nakasero Market yesterday told Lukwago that there is no empty space in the market. Kakooza however says that some of the street vendors had stalls in the market but opted to work on streets.
Kakuba Adam, the secretary general St. Balikuddembe market says that they have 10,000 property owners who are sub renting their stalls to another 80,000 traders. Kakuba says that they were surprised to see St. Balikuddembe market listed among those that have space yet the market is full.
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Kakuba reveals that 60% of park yard traders have stalls in St. Balikuddembe market. He however puts the blame on politicians’ right from President Yoweri Museveni to the lower councilors for allowing traders on the streets whenever they are looking for votes.
At park yard market, Chairperson Galiwango Hamza said the only spaces available are those for renting. In Kisekka market the spokesperson Lubwama Simon Peter said the population is too huge and all the spaces have been filled up to allow extra people. She says the 614 shops, 311 stalls and open spaces have all been fully occupied.
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The Kisekka market traders noted that it is unfortunate that Kampala Capital City Authority has gone ahead to evict the vendors without providing them areas for relocation. The market spokesperson Lubwama Simon peter warned city authorities who say they have space to leave them alone.
Lord Mayor Lukwago after the tour said there is need to construct new markets to relocate the evicted street vendors and redevelop the already established markets. He adds that the picture is clear, the markets are congested thus the need to plan.
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Today, the KCCA council will hold a special sitting with all councilors who toured the markets to forge a way forward.
