The existing market committee has been dissolved by Hon. Balaam following overwhelming complaints from vendors over extortion, illegal dealings, mistreatment and forceful evictions.
The decision was made during a heated meeting convened by the Minister at the market premises, where hundreds of vendors turned up to air their grievances against the outgoing leadership.
According to vendors, the most implicated officials were the market Chairman, Mr. Jjuba Edirisa, the Secretary, Mr. Magala Henry, and the Defence Secretary, Mr. Kiwanuka Charles. The three were repeatedly mentioned in testimonies of alleged extortion and intimidation of traders.
Hon. Balaam, after listening to the vendors, ordered the immediate removal of the entire committee. He further instructed the District Police Commander (DPC) to arrest the three officials should they set foot on the market premises.
“The vendors have suffered for long. No one is above the law and no one will be allowed to extort money or forcefully evict people who are trying to earn a living,” Hon. Balaam said.
Notably, the three officials in question were absent from the meeting despite having been duly informed about the Minister’s visit, a move that vendors described as a sign of guilt and disregard for the traders’ plight.
In a bid to restore transparent leadership, Hon. Balaam has since conducted a voting exercise to elect new market leadership for all the 10 departments that make up the market. The election was described by vendors as free and fair, giving traders a chance to choose leaders who will represent their interests.
Meanwhile, the Minister revealed that the market is set for major redevelopment. The construction is currently in its first phase, budgeted at UGX 850 million, which will facilitate the temporary relocation of vendors. This is part of the larger UGX 23 billion project earmarked for the construction of the main modern market structure.
The construction works have been contracted to Techno 3 Construction Company.
Vendors welcomed the intervention, expressing optimism that the new leadership and the planned construction will bring order, accountability, and improved working conditions at the market.
