Traders' protest enters day two

PIC: Nabukeera Plaza tenants demonstrate over power shortage which has hindered their businesses this was on Friday 22 March 2019. (Photos by Karim Ssozi)

KAMPALA-Traders at Qualicel and Nabukera arcade have entered the second day of protest against double charges amid heavy police deployment.

The traders who convened a meeting to resolve their issues amidst heavy deployment demanded to be given an independent account on which to deposit their rent.

"We have given the management an ultimatum of one month to give us an account where we shall deposit our rent to avoid double charges," they said.

Kampala central MP Muhammad Nsereko addressing people regarding the electricity shortage at Nabukeera Plaza which had forced tenants to demonstrate. (Photo by Karim Ssozi)

Traders said they are fed up of paying money to one person and then the next day another one comes claiming to be the rightful owner  and then charges them twice thus causing them losses.

They also demanded electricity be restored to Nabukera arcade to allow the traders work well.

 Police stand by as Nabukeera Plaza tenants demonstrate . (Photo by Karim Ssozi)

Sulaiman Matovu deputy spokesperson Kampala City Traders' Association said Mansoor Matovu aka yanga disconnected Nabukera arcade's power as soon as he learned that the traders had refused to pay the double charges as they allege.

He said the traders will continue to protest if their issues are not dealt with.

Leaders intervene

Mohamed Nsereko Kampala Member of Parliament said he will go with some leaders to Parliament on Tuesday next week to petition the speaker allow the traders' matter be discussed on the flow of Parliament so as to resolve the traders' matter.

He went with some few traders to UMEME offices in Nakulabye to see that the power at Nabukera building is reconnected.

"Normally there is darkness in the building, so power has to be reconnected in the building so that people can see whatever they are selling," he said citing that it's difficult to work in darkness.

In February 2019, Francis Drake Lubega gained ownership of the buildings in question.