Police guard Nakasero, Owino markets
Feb 08, 2007
ARMED Policemen yesterday tightly guarded St. Balikuddembe (Owino) and Nakasero markets.
By Madhinah Tebajjukira and Canon Businge
ARMED Policemen yesterday tightly guarded St. Balikuddembe (Owino) and Nakasero markets.
About 10 private security guards were deployed at Victoria International offices in Owino Market.
The deployment followed tension that erupted after Kampala City Council terminated the contracts of Sheila Investments Ltd and Victoria International.
The two firms, which were managing the markets, are owned by Kampala businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba.
But business was normal yesterday as shoppers flocked the two markets.
Tax collectors were levying market dues.
“Business is going on smoothly. We are collecting daily market dues and the vendors are responding positively, especially in Nakasero Market,†noted the manager of the two markets, Herbert Bashaba.
The Police boss, Grace Turyagumanawe, said: “They are maintaining total order. The traders and the tender owner (Basajjabalaba) have their own security men. There is no cause for alarm.â€
Kampala City Council (KCC) on Tuesday terminated the management contracts of the two companies over non payment of over sh4.2b following an order from Parliament.
The council claims Victoria International owes KCC sh3.9b, while Sheila Investments is in arrears of sh341m.
But Basajjabalaba is challenging the termination of the contracts of the two markets.
At St. Balikuddembe, a group of vendors united under the Owino Twegate Development Association, have protested to the Government about the conditions of the market.
“He levies market dues and fails to pay the city council. This is unfair,†their leader, Hajji Haruna Zamutuba, lamented.
“The market is stinking and the toilets are few. The market is congested. He failed to fulfil the terms of the contract.â€
He also appealed to the President to intervene.
ARMED Policemen yesterday tightly guarded St. Balikuddembe (Owino) and Nakasero markets.
About 10 private security guards were deployed at Victoria International offices in Owino Market.
The deployment followed tension that erupted after Kampala City Council terminated the contracts of Sheila Investments Ltd and Victoria International.
The two firms, which were managing the markets, are owned by Kampala businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba.
But business was normal yesterday as shoppers flocked the two markets.
Tax collectors were levying market dues.
“Business is going on smoothly. We are collecting daily market dues and the vendors are responding positively, especially in Nakasero Market,†noted the manager of the two markets, Herbert Bashaba.
The Police boss, Grace Turyagumanawe, said: “They are maintaining total order. The traders and the tender owner (Basajjabalaba) have their own security men. There is no cause for alarm.â€
Kampala City Council (KCC) on Tuesday terminated the management contracts of the two companies over non payment of over sh4.2b following an order from Parliament.
The council claims Victoria International owes KCC sh3.9b, while Sheila Investments is in arrears of sh341m.
But Basajjabalaba is challenging the termination of the contracts of the two markets.
At St. Balikuddembe, a group of vendors united under the Owino Twegate Development Association, have protested to the Government about the conditions of the market.
“He levies market dues and fails to pay the city council. This is unfair,†their leader, Hajji Haruna Zamutuba, lamented.
“The market is stinking and the toilets are few. The market is congested. He failed to fulfil the terms of the contract.â€
He also appealed to the President to intervene.