Sebaggala claims irk vendors
Aug 08, 2007
NAKASERO market vendors have attacked Kampala mayor Nasser Sebaggala for underestimating their capacity to develop the market.
By Vision Reporters
NAKASERO market vendors have attacked Kampala mayor Nasser Sebaggala for underestimating their capacity to develop the market.
“Sebaggala used to sell curry powder and rotten offals in the same market. His stall still exists. If he managed to climb to a higher status, we can also become city tycoons,†said Fatumah Kyobe.
Vendors told The New Vision that through their association, Nakasero Market Sitting Vendors and Traders, they had pooled sh7b on their account since the market saga started.
“How can we then fail to develop our market?†Ronald Mazinga asked.
“How can Sebaggala say we cannot develop our market, yet the same market is what made him. He still has a stall from which his family gets money,†he added.
The vendors also attacked the mayor, alleging that he was backing city tycoon Hassan Basajjabalaba to take over their market.
They said Basajjabalaba, was too poor to re-develop the market, arguing that has been able to remain in business because of government support.
Appearing before a committee investigating financial and administrative anomalies in Kampala central division, the vendors’ chairperson, Godfrey Kakooza, claimed that the so-called tycoon survives on bank loans.
“If we are looking for people who have the capacity to redevelop the market, Basajjabalaba should not be mentioned. He is poorer than the vendors. All his businesses are surviving on bank loans. If he is rich, why does he often run to the government to bail him out?†Bruno Kizito backed Kakooza’s argument.
Kakooza said they were collecting money to refund the sh4b Basajjabalaba paid to Kampala City Council to acquire the market lease. He pointed out that the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce had expressed willingness to help them develop their market.
NAKASERO market vendors have attacked Kampala mayor Nasser Sebaggala for underestimating their capacity to develop the market.
“Sebaggala used to sell curry powder and rotten offals in the same market. His stall still exists. If he managed to climb to a higher status, we can also become city tycoons,†said Fatumah Kyobe.
Vendors told The New Vision that through their association, Nakasero Market Sitting Vendors and Traders, they had pooled sh7b on their account since the market saga started.
“How can we then fail to develop our market?†Ronald Mazinga asked.
“How can Sebaggala say we cannot develop our market, yet the same market is what made him. He still has a stall from which his family gets money,†he added.
The vendors also attacked the mayor, alleging that he was backing city tycoon Hassan Basajjabalaba to take over their market.
They said Basajjabalaba, was too poor to re-develop the market, arguing that has been able to remain in business because of government support.
Appearing before a committee investigating financial and administrative anomalies in Kampala central division, the vendors’ chairperson, Godfrey Kakooza, claimed that the so-called tycoon survives on bank loans.
“If we are looking for people who have the capacity to redevelop the market, Basajjabalaba should not be mentioned. He is poorer than the vendors. All his businesses are surviving on bank loans. If he is rich, why does he often run to the government to bail him out?†Bruno Kizito backed Kakooza’s argument.
Kakooza said they were collecting money to refund the sh4b Basajjabalaba paid to Kampala City Council to acquire the market lease. He pointed out that the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce had expressed willingness to help them develop their market.