PIC:Some of the traders stand outside their shops during the strike/File photo
Traders operating business on Superior complex, Kati Kati plaza and Boost arcade are now at ease after their landlord Bosco Muwonge suspended his increment orders on each shop on these buildings.
According to the traders, their arcades' managers told them that starting this month (April) they were to pay extra fees between sh500,000 to sh1m depending on the building floor and shop they are occupying.
Yesterday, (April 5, 2017) traders closed their shops protesting the orders adding that business was not doing well to support them get such high rent fees
Traders allege that they pay rent fees ranging from sh500,000 to sh1m depending on the building floor and shop one operates on.
At around 9am yesterday, the Deputy Police Commander (DPC) Central Police Station (CPS) Joseph Bakaleke held a meeting at Kati Kati plaza where he requested tenants from the building to open their shops and operate, promising them to talk to their land lord to terminate the rent increment.
Traders turned away the request as they shouted on the top of their voices saying, "We will not open our shops until we sort out all our problems with Muwonge."
At 2pm, DPC Bakaleke organized a meeting at City square in Kampala, where he invited all tenants operating on the three buildings and their landlord Muwonge.
There was drama when Muwonge refused to talk to all his tenants as he requested to meet only five representatives from each arcade.
On hearing this, traders were had shouting, "Muwonge does not receive rent from only fifteen people, we all pay rent, so he should meet us all."
Surrounded by police officers, Muwonge was brought from CPS where he was to city square to meet his tenants who were anxiously waiting for him.
During the meeting, the traders who did not want to disclose their names said on top of paying high rent fees, they also pay sh100,000 for each electric bulb they use.
Bakaleke pointed out that abrupt rent increment by landlords without consulting their tenants is the reason as to why there ever strikes in arcades.
He further ordered immediate suspension of the increment orders until the landlord and his tenants come to an agreement.
