Government launches fresh verification of vendors in Kigumba Central Market
“Anyone who paid money to individuals should accept that they paid wrongly,” Etedu told the vendors.
Kiryandongo: The Ministry of Local Government has launched a fresh verification exercise for vendors operating in Kigumba Central Market in Kiryandongo District to address disputes over ownership and illegal renting of stalls and lockups.
The exercise was launched on Wednesday by Etedu Geoffrey, the Commissioner for Local Government in charge of Market Development, accompanied by Kiryandongo Resident District Commissioner Dan Muganga.
Etedu said the exercise is intended to establish the rightful occupants of the market facilities and ensure compliance with government directives and market regulations.
Describing himself as a “fair doctor of markets,” Etedu said the ministry understands the challenges faced by vendors and is committed to resolving the disputes affecting their businesses.
He warned vendors against illegally renting out stalls and lockups, saying preliminary findings had revealed cases of vendors leasing market facilities to other people.
“By law, one person is allowed to own only one lockup,” Etedu said, directing every vendor to prove that they are the rightful occupant of the facility they claim to own.
He instructed vendors to present their national identity cards and telephone numbers during the verification exercise.
Etedu also announced that departmental leaders in the market would be re-elected to improve accountability and representation.
He cautioned vendors against paying individuals to acquire government-owned market facilities, saying those who paid two million shillings to access stalls had made a mistake.
“Anyone who paid money to individuals should accept that they paid wrongly,” Etedu told the vendors.
He further warned against harassment among traders, saying anyone who intimidates a fellow vendor commits an offence.
The commissioner also revealed that some original vendors who participated in constructing the market had not been retained in their former positions. He urged those who had taken their grievances to court to consider withdrawing their cases, saying the government was ready to address their concerns.
However, the verification exercise has raised concerns among some vendors who say they invested money in securing their business premises.
Tomu, a vendor who said he had operated in the market since 1989 under Kigumba Sub-county, disclosed that he had three lockups and questioned the rights of children whose parents had constructed the market but had since died.
Safina, who said she began working in the market in 1992, and another vendor, Atim, said they had paid registration and stall re-ownership fees after following the required procedures.
The vendors said some traders had taken out loans to finance their businesses and were still repaying them, expressing concern over the possibility of losing their premises despite the payments.
During the verification exercise, Mary Katwesige, who operates lockup BK01, said she rents the facility from Nesto Onim at 250,000 shillings per month.
Meanwhile, Concy Aliemo, who operates lockup BK02, claimed ownership of the facility.
Kiryandongo RDC Dan Muganga urged vendors to cooperate with the verification team and follow directives issued by the Ministry of Local Government.
The exercise is expected to establish the rightful occupants of market facilities, address ownership disputes and curb the illegal transfer of stalls and lockups in Kigumba Central Market.
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