Ovino mall traders demand joint control as poor conditions cripple business

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Traders operating at Ovino Mall in Kisenyi have called for the establishment of a joint management committee, citing worsening conditions that are negatively affecting their businesses.

The concerns were raised during a meeting organised by the Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA), led by its chairman, John Kabanda. The meeting brought together traders, landlords, government officials, and security personnel.

Traders complained about poor sanitation, noting that only three toilets serve the entire building, alongside an outstanding water bill debt of sh23 million. They also cited leaking roofs, dilapidated structures, frequent flooding, and high electricity costs. Many said these conditions have driven away customers despite paying rent of up to sh400,000.

Some of the traders highlighting their concerns during the meeting. (Credit: Moses Kigongo)

Others raised concerns about high and unclear management fees, lack of accountability, and being denied the right to question utility bills. In addition, traders highlighted insecurity due to darkness in corridors and poorly managed entrances, which they say has exposed them to theft.

Landlords, who number over 250 and own a majority of the units under a condominium arrangement, also expressed frustration at being excluded from the management of the building. Representatives such as Jimmy Muhumuza and Harry Hakizza accused the current management under Trupati Company of being uncooperative and failing to address key issues.

Both landlords and traders are now pushing to be included in leadership structures so they can jointly oversee the management of the mall and improve service delivery.

In response, Trupati management, led by Muraj Borat, welcomed the proposal for a joint committee and agreed to work with the landlords. The developer noted that the process will begin with verifying the rightful owners before forming a committee that represents the interests of the more than 250 landlords associated with the building.

Government officials, including Kampala Central Resident City Commissioner Umar Lule Mawiya and his deputy Ali Shafick Nsubuga, attended the meeting alongside security officers led by Old Kampala Division Police Commander Kenneth Massete. The officials acknowledged the traders’ grievances and promised to follow up on the matter.

“The concerns raised by the traders are genuine, and we will follow up to ensure that a safe and conducive working environment is restored at Ovino Mall,” said Mawiya.

Police representatives said the concerns raised were valid and emphasised the need for a safe and conducive working environment, urging all parties to resolve disputes through dialogue.

Kabanda talking about the traders' concerns during the meeting. (Credit: Moses Kigongo)

In his remarks, Kabanda said the meeting was driven by the frustrations traders have endured due to unresolved issues.

“This meeting has been driven by the frustrations traders have endured for a long time, and we welcome the developer’s willingness to establish a joint management structure to resolve these issues,” he said.

He noted that previous attempts to form an interim committee had failed but welcomed the developer’s acceptance to establish a joint management structure. He added that plans are underway to organise a broader meeting in the coming months where stakeholders will elect competent representatives to serve on the committee and ensure proper management of the mall.