In a move to address mounting concerns over security, drug smuggling, and unauthorized commercial activities, the Kabale Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Godfrey Nyakahuma, has issued a strict ultimatum to kiosk operators situated in the vicinity of Kabale Regional Referral Hospital. The directive, mandating their eviction within 21 days, has sparked controversy and raised questions about the operators’ livelihoods.
Nyakahuma cited reports from hospital management and the public, alleging that the kiosks have become a breeding ground for illegal activities, including drug trafficking and acts of insecurity. Furthermore, he pointed out that hospital workers have been utilizing these kiosks as storage facilities for stolen government drugs, exacerbating the gravity of the situation.
In response to the ultimatum, Allen Ahimbisibwe, a long-time kiosk operator, emphasized that they had entered into agreements with their landlords and invested in the construction of the kiosks based on signed memorandums of understanding. Expressing surprise at the abrupt notice, Ahimbisibwe highlighted the financial implications for operators who have loans tied to their businesses. She pleaded for an extension of at least six months to facilitate a smooth transition.
However, other operators echoed concerns about the potential fallout from the eviction, fearing they may be compelled to join undesirable peer groups if left without viable sources of income. They appealed to the RDC’s office to consider relocating them to alternative spaces within the district to sustain their livelihoods and support their families.
The controversy surrounding the eviction order underscores the complex socio-economic dynamics at play, with livelihoods hanging in the balance amid broader concerns about public safety and governance. As the deadline approaches, tensions are running high, and stakeholders are anxiously awaiting further developments in this unfolding saga.
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