The construction of 80 stalls in Kyabazinga and Bugembe central market in Jinja has stalled following the theft of 800 iron sheets. The iron sheets were stolen last month from the stores of Bugembe town council. Two officials of Bugembe town council Steven Mwembe, the Senior Enforcement Officer and the head of Stores Arajabu Muyomba have since been relieved of their duties to pave way for investigations.
The theft of the iron sheets has forced some vendors to sell their merchandise in the open exposing it to harsh weather conditions. Wilson Muwambi, the chairman Kyabazinga market vendors says that most of the vendors have closed their stalls because they have no money to buy new iron sheets. Kabyazinga market was gutted by fire in 2011. He says that the vendors find it hard to operate the harsh weather conditions.
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Godfrey Mukasa, one of the affected vendors says that he closed his textile business after losing merchandise worth shillings 1.5 million due to heavy rains last month. He reminds the leaders of Bugembe town council to be more accountable for their work, because it affects the people who vote for them. Only 85 out of the 800 vendors are operating in Kyabazinga market due to its appalling condition.
In Bugembe market the situation is not any different. About 300 vendors display their merchandise on the ground. Rachael Mutesi, chairperson Bugembe market vendor’s Association says that whenever it rains the fresh food is washed away by running water. Abdul Batambuze, the town clerk Bugembe town council says that the construction work will resume immediately they recover the missing iron sheets.
He explains that they are doing everything possible to recover the stolen sheets. Steven Wante, the LC 3 Bugembe town council says that after police investigations all the suspects who were involved in the theft of the iron sheets will be forced to pay back.
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He says the construction of the new market stalls has affected over 1500 vendors at the two markets. Samson Lubega, South Eastern police spokesperson says that they are investigating four councilors whose houses where found roofed with the stolen Iron sheets. They are Asuman Egonga, Juma Sozzi, Majid Kawanguzi and Arthur Kakaire.
