Vendors from Kabale Central Market have today Wednesday, June 12, 2024, stormed the Kabale Municipality Council Offices in protest. The vendors were angered by the demand to pay rent for the 2023/2024 financial year, a directive they claim contradicts an order from the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi.
The vendors, led by Kamugisha Henry, closed their stalls and lockups before marching to the municipal offices. They demanded explanations for the lack of assessments and the absence of an appeal process regarding the rent charges. They accused the municipal authorities of acting against Minister Magyezi’s directive, which required tenant agreements with the council to be signed within two weeks.
“This has caused us significant doubt and fear about the ownership of our lockups,” said Kamugisha. He also accused municipal staff of collecting licenses without informing vendors of the rates.
The vendors criticized the council for demanding rent for the 2023/2024 financial year, a period during which they were only recently allocated their lockups. “We had just been allocated these spaces,” Kamugisha argued, “and now they demand rent without proper assessment or communication.”
Kabale Municipality Mayor Emmanuel Byamugisha Sentaro urged the vendors to pay for the month of June to enable the council to cover essential services such as garbage collection and utility bills. He promised to work with the Town Clerk to provide a list of applicable rates and supported the vendors’ demand not to pay rent for the 2023/2024 financial year. “Vendors should also be allowed to pay in installments,” Sentaro added.
Kabale District RDC Godfrey Nyakahuma ordered the immediate removal of seals placed on the doors of non-compliant vendors. He criticized the council for acting without proper sensitization and engagement with the vendors.
On May 27, 2024, Minister Magyezi directed a fresh verification exercise for all Kabale Central Market vendors after several vendors accused Mayor Sentaro and Town Clerk Justine Barekye of irregularities. Magyezi had instructed the Kabale Municipal Council to establish tenant agreements with the vendors within two weeks.
The tense situation highlights ongoing conflicts between local vendors and municipal authorities, with demands for clearer communication and fair practices.
ENDS///
