Wakiso Market Stall Dispute Escalates, Presidential Office Intervenes

Tensions are high among traders at Wakiso Daily Market following a dispute over the allocation of stalls at their temporary relocation site. This move is a necessary step for the construction of a modern market facility under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) initiative.

The escalating conflict has prompted Monica Edemachu, Under Secretary in the Office of the President overseeing GKMA affairs, to call for an urgent meeting with Wakiso District officials.

During the meeting, Edemachu expressed significant concern regarding the apparent lack of coordination by government and political leaders in managing the traders. She issued a stern warning that persistent disputes could jeopardize crucial GKMA development projects, which include vital infrastructure upgrades like markets and roads.

Edemachu later met directly with the affected traders at the relocation site, emphasizing her intolerance for further conflicts. “I do not want to hear of these disputes again. We must find a lasting solution that benefits all traders,” she stated.

To address the grievances and streamline the process, a five-member committee has been established. This committee includes representatives from the Ministry of Local Government, GKMA, the Ministry of Gender, and officials from the Chief Administrative Officer’s and Town Council’s offices. Their mandate is to investigate trader complaints and facilitate the relocation and stall allocation.

This latest intervention follows a recent visit by Minister of State for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, who dissolved a previous market committee and ordered an investigation into land grabbing allegations.

Despite these efforts, divisions persist among traders regarding the leadership and management of the relocation. Vincent Kasozi, Chairperson of the Wakiso Traders’ Council, pointed to “poor leadership and failure to properly coordinate” by the Wakiso Town Council as the root cause of the confusion.

Conversely, Wakiso Town Council Chairperson Fredson Mukalazi Kasiwukira denied any involvement in creating confusion or unfair allocations, dismissing the accusations as unfounded.

The intervention by GKMA officials is anticipated to help de-escalate the situation as authorities work towards a fair resolution for the Wakiso Daily Market redevelopment.

Source: Nile Post