Traders in Mbale Central Market on Monday continued to block access to the administration offices, protesting a proposed increase in market dues that they say is too high for ordinary traders.
The traders, who have kept the market administration offices closed since Thursday last week, accused Mbale City authorities of imposing exorbitant charges without adequate consultation.
They said the proposed rates would make it difficult for low-income earners to continue operating businesses in the market.Wambede Isma, a sector leader representing meat suppliers, said the proposed increases would affect traders across different categories.
Wambede warned that if the city authorities fail to address their concerns, the traders will seek an audience with President Yoweri Museveni.
Twalle Isma, a leader representing shoe and bag vendors, accused city authorities of “ambushing” traders with the new charges without prior warning.He also raised concerns about confusion over the administration of the market between Mbale City Council and the Industrial Division.
Food vendor Manake Aminah said the proposed charges are particularly difficult for traders whose businesses are already affected by poor working conditions.
She said rainwater regularly enters the market, forcing vendors to stop working and sweep out the water.
Meat vendor Abdul Swaburu Mukwana Wambede questioned whether the proposed rates take into account the actual income earned by traders.
He said even the previous100,000 shilling charge was difficult for some traders to pay at once, raising concern over the proposed 500,000 shillings fee.
However, Geoffrey Mugisha, the Town Clerk of Mbale City Northern Division, rejected claims that traders were not consulted.
Mugisha said the proposed rates were approved by Mbale City Council and endorsed by former Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magezi, nearly a year ago.
He said the gathering held at the market on Thursday was intended to sensitise traders about the approved rates and was not an enforcement exercise.
Mugisha also accused a group of informal “landlords” operating within the market of misleading traders and obstructing government officials from carrying out their duties.
He alleged that the group illegally sublets market stalls at exorbitant prices and collects unauthorized fees from traders for public toilets, garbage collection and access gates.
The city authorities have maintained that the new rates are part of an approved market management framework, while traders are demanding that their implementation be reviewed and that the city engages them over the charges-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
