No one can frustrate development — deputy IGG Muhairwe

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Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) Anne Twino Muhairwe has said no one can frustrate development in Uganda.

“There is no person or leader that can frustrate development. Our mandate is to ensure that there is proper accountability and transparency in the implementation of the government projects,” she said on Thursday (March 13).

Muhairwe made the remarks while reconciling Kira Municipal Council officials and Kireka main market vendors in Wakiso district, who have been clashing over the planned redevelopment of the market facility into a modern trading space that meets the current city development standards.

This is according to the statement the Inspectorate of Government (IG) released on X, formerly Twitter.

“I would like to encourage you to welcome development because it improves livelihoods,” the deputy IGG told the vendors in a meeting she chaired at the municipal offices.

The statement said the meeting also witnessed both parties agree to the redevelopment plans, which had earlier been challenged by some vendors who cited, among others alleged flawed land acquisition process, influence peddling by some Kira Municipal Council technical officers, and cancellation of some vendors’ membership.

“This convergence of thought offers a ray of hope to the majority of vendors whose dreams of having permanent working space in the new facility had been shattered by fights which had earlier threatened to undermine plans for the redevelopment of the facility,” it said.

The IG also said this development adds to a growing list of success stories which it has registered over the years in resolving issues that would have, if not thoroughly addressed, stalled implementation of the government projects.

“These efforts speak to the bold dedication of @IGGUganda to promote transparency and accountability aimed at ensuring better services for the citizens.”

Muhairwe commended both parties for exhibiting a high level of maturity and agreeing to the redevelopment of the market.

Benon Yiga, the Town Clerk Municipal Council, allayed fears of the vendors and denied any influence peddling of the technical officers in the planned redevelopment of the facility.

He noted that the processes leading to the decision to redevelop the facility are highly participatory and involve the market leadership, vendors, local government leadership, both at the Division and Municipal level, as well as the Ministry of Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs.

Moses Lusaaka, who represented the family which currently owns the land on which Kireka main market sits, agreed to the redevelopment plans, and said they were ready to meet the government regarding its interest in purchasing the land.

After the meeting, Muhairwe toured Kireka main market and interacted with some of the vendors who expressed fears of missing out on the stalls when the new market was constructed.

However, she assured them that IG would follow up on the matter to its logical conclusion and ensure that each vendor gets a stall.

The multi-billion-dollar project will be funded by the World Bank under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme.