Councilors of Hoima Municipality are protesting a decision by their executive to allow a contractor to use part of the municipal council compound with authorization. In April, the executive of Hoima municipality resolved to allow Amugoli construction limited, the company contracted to build the market to the use the municipal compound. The company is using the area to lay bricks for the construction of Hoima Market.
However, the decision by the executive to allow the contractor to use the municipal compound without authorization by the council has not gone down well with the councilors. Led by Brian Kaboyo, the municipal youth councilor, the councilors are demanding an explanation on how part of council’s land was given away without their knowledge as the urban planning authority.
The councilors were enraged by the revelation of the mayor Grace Mary Mugasa that the company was allowed to use the municipal land free of charge for 18 months. Kaboyo wonders how the executive can offer such free space at no cost yet council is grappling with lack of funds due to low local revenue collection. Kaboyo demands that a fee be charged on Amugoli for using the municipal land as a way of raising local revenue collection.
//Cue in “We can’t give……..
Cue out…paying any money”//
Margaret Mande, the councilor for central Ward accuses the Mayor and town clerk for driving the executive to pass resolutions which don’t favor council and lead to exploitation. She says the contractor should pay at least shillings 3 million for using the land or else be evicted.
Godfrey Azoora, the Buhiga ward councilor says since council is the urban planning authority and it was not consulted over the resolution, it should be declared null and void. Paul Amaya, the municipal speaker has asked the town clerk to discuss with the company and decide on a specific amount to be paid to the council each month for using the municipal land.
Ibrahim Bigabwa, the municipal education officer who represented the town clerk in the meeting pledged to report back to council in two weeks. Amugoli Company Managers could not be readily reached for a comment. But Mayor Mary Mugasa denies any wrong doing, adding that the resolution by the councilors does not hold any water.
