Traders close shops over rent charges

Mar 21, 2019

“We cannot consent to double charges simply because we want to work,” Namuyanja spoke with bitterness.

PIC: The closed shops (Photo by Norah Mutesi)

 

KAMPALA-Traders have closed their shops over rent charged by city business man Drake Lubega who is seeking four months payment.

 

The traders said they have previously been paying rent to Late Muhangi's family and that they are not willing to pay more money to Lubega.

 

Sylvia Namuyanja, a trader said the traders had by 8:00 am closed the arcade in protest of the double payment, adding that government should come out to show them the right person to pay their rent to.

 

"We cannot consent to double charges simply because we want to work," Namuyanja spoke with bitterness.

 

Traders outside the closed shops (Photo by Norah Mutesi)

 

 

However, John Sembatya also a trader at Qualicel arcade said the family of Muhangi on Wednesday wrote to them a notice asking them not to pay rent to any one until court decides on who the right owner of the arcade is.

 

Last month, the Police handed over the arcade to Lubega and his business associate Yanga Matovu amid resistance from Muhangi's group, who were then ordered to leave.

 

Muhangi died last year shortly after he had won a legal battle to have the arcade returned to him.

 

The traders said before the arcade was handed over to Lubega, they had already paid November and December  rent to Muhangi.