By KT Reporter
Traders at Pentagon city plaza in downtown-Kampala have gone on strike, refusing to open their shops in protest of a sudden rent increase. Pentagon city plaza is located at Nabugabo road near Kikubo Shopping Center.
The strike followed what the traders termed as 10% increase on the monthly rent. The traders are demanding a meeting with the landlord to discuss the sudden rent hike.
Drake Lubega reportedly directed that all tenants will be required to pay a 10% rent increase effective December. The notice warns that failure to comply with the rent hike will result in termination of tenancy.
The traders are further frustrated by numerous additional charges that they said are collectively taking a toll on their businesses. The additional charges include, a monthly garbage collection fee of 20,000 Shillings, a 30,000 Shilling charge per light bulb and 10,000-shilling fine for forgetting to turn off lights when leaving the premises.
Rashid Mugaru, an affected tenant said the mall management is inconsiderate about the plight of traders.
The mall remains shut down, with all shops closed in solidarity. Traders are gathered in groups, engaged in heated discussions about the standoff. Some are holding placards that clearly express their opposition to the rent increase, demonstrating their discontent.
The traders alleged that the landlord is demanding that they each pay one million shillings for display stands or they purchase their own stands.
Robert Nsereko, one of the affected traders, expressed his discontent with Lubega’s decisions every time the festival season nears.
Issa Ssekito, the Spokesperson of Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) said the Association will support to the striking traders in negotiating with the landlord.
Ssekito condemned the mistreatment of tenants by landlords. He emphasized that the relationship between landlords and tenants is mutually beneficial, stating that tenants need landlords and landlords also need tenants equally.
Uganda Radio Network could not reach the landlord, Drake Lubega. But sources said he has ordered the tents to choose themselves few people he would meet on Wednesday or Thursday-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
