Museveni stops sale of markets to individuals
May 09, 2007
PRESIDENT Yoweri museveni has directed the local government minister, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, to halt the sale of markets to individuals.
By Florence Nakaayi
PRESIDENT Yoweri museveni has directed the local government minister, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, to halt the sale of markets to individuals.
In his letter to Otafiire titled: “Fraudulent ‘sale’ of Nateete market to Hassan Basajjabalaba,†Museveni said the Cabinet had not authorised local governments to privatise markets.
“What are you looking for in privatising markets where thousands of poor people are working? How can NRM be involved with such a type of feudalism?†Museveni asked.
“Who started this policy and with whose authority? Whose interest is this policy serving? Why can’t we let the market operators ‘own’ themselves through their ‘associations?†Museveni wondered.
He advised the market operators to form associations to avoid exploitation by other operators.
The letter was the subject of debate during the Kampala district council meeting on Monday.
The council deputy speaker, Godfrey Asiimwe, said: “I wonder how we can advertise the markets in view of this letter from the President.â€
The finance committee had recommended that KCC contracts companies to manage markets in the city. Councillors agreed to hire managers of the council markets.
William Tumwine, the deputy town clerk, noted that the local government Act empowers the local government to contract markets.
PRESIDENT Yoweri museveni has directed the local government minister, Maj. Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, to halt the sale of markets to individuals.
In his letter to Otafiire titled: “Fraudulent ‘sale’ of Nateete market to Hassan Basajjabalaba,†Museveni said the Cabinet had not authorised local governments to privatise markets.
“What are you looking for in privatising markets where thousands of poor people are working? How can NRM be involved with such a type of feudalism?†Museveni asked.
“Who started this policy and with whose authority? Whose interest is this policy serving? Why can’t we let the market operators ‘own’ themselves through their ‘associations?†Museveni wondered.
He advised the market operators to form associations to avoid exploitation by other operators.
The letter was the subject of debate during the Kampala district council meeting on Monday.
The council deputy speaker, Godfrey Asiimwe, said: “I wonder how we can advertise the markets in view of this letter from the President.â€
The finance committee had recommended that KCC contracts companies to manage markets in the city. Councillors agreed to hire managers of the council markets.
William Tumwine, the deputy town clerk, noted that the local government Act empowers the local government to contract markets.