KCCA to probe sh312b meant for city markets revamp

By Brian Mayanja 

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has started investigating the mismanagement of sh312bn ($13.5m) that was meant to redevelop city markets.

A committee comprised of mainly city councilors was appointed by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and is headed by his deputy Sulaiman Kidandala. 

Among the markets to be probed include St. Balikuddembe, Wandegeya, Nakulabye, Kasubi and Kansanga.

“Besides Owino market, we shall investigate the root cause of all the wrangles in these city markets. We want to know how funds from government were used,” Lukwago was firm.

Accountability

Lukwago said government secured a loan from the African Development Bank (ADB) to redevelop the city markets.

“The preliminary reports indicate that funds were not properly accounted for. This is the reason negative forces are fighting us because they know we are going to unearth all their dubious deals,” the mayor added.

The committee will look at how sh88m was used at the time of evicting vendors on the streets during the second half of last year.

“The technocrats have to explain to the authority [KCCA] how they used sh1bn that was allocated in the budget to rehabilitate former street vendors,” he said.

Lukwago noted that the committee will also probe sh16.5bn government allocated in this financial year to solve the unemployment problem in urban divisions.

Differences

Last week there was fracas at Nakasero market in Kampala when traders turned their rage on Lukwago who had paid them a visit in an attempt to reconcile the rival groups. However, when hell broke loose, Lukwago fled for dear life.

“Why are you fighting each other? KCCA cannot permit you to redevelop this place unless you agree to work together,” he had told them.

St. Balikuddembe market has been in a longstanding dispute with rival groups which include St. Balikuddembe Stalls, Lockup Open Space Association (SSLOA) and St. Balikuddembe Market Vendors and Traders Co-operative Society Limited, all fighting to manage it.