Now Kyambadde apologizes to Musisi

Sep 27, 2012

Trade minister Amelia Kyambadde has retracted her scathing utterances against KCCA Executive Director over Centenary Park demolition saying she was misled.

By Apollo Mubiru and Robert Mwesigye 

Trade and industry minister Amelia Kyambadde has retracted her scathing utterances against Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Jennifer Musisi over Centenary Park demolition saying she was misled.

The minister withdrew her statements in a meeting with Musisi, the minister in charge of Kampala Muruli Mukasa, Kampala police chief shortly after the morning fracas, KCCA spokesperson Peter Kaujju told New Vision Online.

“The minister said she had been misled by a caller who said KCCA was demolishing their structures. But after getting a brief from the Executive director, she said she had been misinformed,” Kaujju said.  

According to Kaujju, Musisi explained that they were simply making sure that an open green belt is reinstated and in so doing, the tenant’s property would not be demolished.

Kyambadde attacked Musisi for what she termed as inhumane and heavy handed manner in which city authority handles demolitions.

The minister Thursday morning stormed the centenary park grounds facing demolition amidst scenes of chaos as KCCA law enforcement officers with protection from police, led by Kampala Metropolitan district police commander James Ruhweza, were demolishing structures.

She said KCCA was responsible for the mess that has been going on at the park because they signed contracts with the developer.

In a stern voice, she said KCCA are only reaping what they sowed. She said she was shocked by the excessive force KCCA director Jennifer Musisi was using to evict tenants after she assured her that they had two months to relocate.

“Why can’t Musisi behave in a civilized manner? Which world is she?” she asked. “I have kept quiet for long about this but as the minister in charge of trade in this country, I will not tolerate this. These are human beings who should be treated with dignity,” an angry Kyambadde said as she was besieged by reporters.

“Why can’t these people respect Ugandans? From here am heading to KCCA to find out why Musisi her team are using a lot of force. Why can’t they negotiate?” the minister said.

Kyambadde said tenants there were victims of circumstances.

 

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