A SH430M European Union-funded project at Ggaba landing site has failed to kick off due to politics and disagreements within the business community, writes Samuel Balagadde.

The project involves setting up a fish handling unit, stalls, tap water, drainages, shelter and an administration block. The fisheries ministry contracted GQ Investments Limited to construct the facility that was scheduled to start in October last year and end in August this year.

The wrangles arise from the ownership of the land located at the Ggaba landing site where the facility is to be set up. The contractor has already put some building materials on the site.

In a meeting with the Ggaba business community, Michael Mabikke, the area Member of Parliament, fisheries ministry officials, local leaders and the landing site management last week, it was resolved that the project should start.

However, some people, including the area LC1 chairman, resisted the move. Edward Sembalirwa, the Kampala district fisheries officer, said politics engineered by about five politicians had paralysed development at Ggaba landing site. He, however, did not name the politicians.

He called on the Government to intervene in matter. But Mabikke said efforts to enlist the agriculture minister, Hope Mwesigye, help had failed.