Hoima vendors evicted at night, threaten legal action
However, he criticized the manner in which the eviction was executed, noting that vendors had been granted a four-month grace period to relocate voluntarily.
Hoima: Authorities in Hoima City have evicted traders operating at Duhaga Roundabout Market, commonly known as Kidomoole, as part of ongoing enforcement of trade order regulations.
The eviction, carried out in a night operation of Tuesday at around 3:00 a.m., left more than 300 traders stranded and uncertain about their next steps.
Traders say they were shocked to find their merchandise confiscated and taken to an undisclosed location when they reported to work on Tuesday morning. In protest, some vendors poured garbage onto nearby roads, disrupting traffic.
William Musingizi, the chairperson of the vendors, said they intend to sue Hoima West Division Council for damages. He argued that the council had earlier agreed to give vendors until June 30 to vacate the area.
“We were given up to 30th June to leave, but this operation was carried out abruptly without notice,” Musingizi said.
Edward Ayesiga Busiinge, the Speaker of Hoima West City Division, confirmed that the council had designated alternative markets in Kyesiiga, Kibingo, and Nyarugabo. However, he criticized the manner in which the eviction was executed, noting that vendors had been granted a four-month grace period to relocate voluntarily.
Meanwhile, Hoima City Woman MP Asinansi Nyakato Kamanda and Hoima West MP-elect Ismail Kasule have identified land in Kiganda along the Butiaba Road where vendors could be temporarily relocated. Efforts to secure the land were reportedly underway prior to the eviction.
When contacted for a comment, Hoima City Deputy Clerk Cornelius Jobile, who is overseeing enforcement of the trade order, said he was in a meeting and could not immediately respond.
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