Kisekka Market riot rocks Kampala
Sep 10, 2007
BUSINESS at Kisseka Market in Kampala came to a standstill yesterday afternoon as traders rioted over the plan to lease the market to a consortium. In May this year, Kampala City Council approved to lease the market to Rhino Investments and the vendors association, New Nakivubo Road Market Vendors A
By Herbert Ssempogo
and Florence Nakaayi
BUSINESS at Kisseka Market in Kampala came to a standstill yesterday afternoon as traders rioted over the plan to lease the market to a consortium. In May this year, Kampala City Council approved to lease the market to Rhino Investments and the vendors association, New Nakivubo Road Market Vendors Association.
But another group of vendors, Nakivubo Road Old Kampala (Kisekka) Market Vendors, protested the move.
The rowdy traders, who demanded audience with city authorities, lit bonfires in the middle of Kyaggwe Road, making it impassable as the 2:00pm riot intensified.
Bonfires were also lit in the small alleys running through the market famous for second-hand vehicle spare parts.
Thick black smoke and heat engulfed the area as traders set huge tyres on fire.
“We want Sebaggala (the mayor) and Kijjambu (the town clerk),†the male-dominated mob chanted as they patrolled the streets.
“There was a lot of chaos by the time I got out of our shop. All shops were closed and people were running everywhere,†one of the traders narrated.
Earlier, traders in the market and neighbouring areas hurriedly locked their shops as the riot gained momentum.
The Police dispersed the riotous traders with teargas and volleys of shots, sending many scampering for safety in nearby buildings.
Fire fighters rushed to the scene to extinguish the raging fire from the tyres.
The Police acting director of operations, Grace Turyagumawe, addressed the incensed traders moments after the situation normalised.
“I asked the traders’ committee to forward their grievances to the city authorities. They should use peaceful means to solve their grievances instead of resorting to hooliganism.â€
According to Turyagumanawe, the town clerk, Ruth Kijjambu, will meet the vendors on Thursday.
and Florence Nakaayi
BUSINESS at Kisseka Market in Kampala came to a standstill yesterday afternoon as traders rioted over the plan to lease the market to a consortium. In May this year, Kampala City Council approved to lease the market to Rhino Investments and the vendors association, New Nakivubo Road Market Vendors Association.
But another group of vendors, Nakivubo Road Old Kampala (Kisekka) Market Vendors, protested the move.
The rowdy traders, who demanded audience with city authorities, lit bonfires in the middle of Kyaggwe Road, making it impassable as the 2:00pm riot intensified.
Bonfires were also lit in the small alleys running through the market famous for second-hand vehicle spare parts.
Thick black smoke and heat engulfed the area as traders set huge tyres on fire.
“We want Sebaggala (the mayor) and Kijjambu (the town clerk),†the male-dominated mob chanted as they patrolled the streets.
“There was a lot of chaos by the time I got out of our shop. All shops were closed and people were running everywhere,†one of the traders narrated.
Earlier, traders in the market and neighbouring areas hurriedly locked their shops as the riot gained momentum.
The Police dispersed the riotous traders with teargas and volleys of shots, sending many scampering for safety in nearby buildings.
Fire fighters rushed to the scene to extinguish the raging fire from the tyres.
The Police acting director of operations, Grace Turyagumawe, addressed the incensed traders moments after the situation normalised.
“I asked the traders’ committee to forward their grievances to the city authorities. They should use peaceful means to solve their grievances instead of resorting to hooliganism.â€
According to Turyagumanawe, the town clerk, Ruth Kijjambu, will meet the vendors on Thursday.