MBARARA, UGANDA: The Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi has directed fresh verification of all Mbarara central market vendors. This is the fifth time the vendors are registered and verified.
The directive follows investigations after registering multiple complaints from vendors.
Magyezi suspended the verification lists done by the old vendors committee, and the allocation committee that was chaired by Muhammed Nyombi and Lydia Karungi, noting that it was marred by bribery allegations, victimization of vendors, and conflict of interest.
Meeting city councilors, mayor, division chairperson, and the Resident City Commissioner on Thursday, the minister said that investigations were completed and fresh verification should start.
He also said that a 23-member committee will be chaired by the acting city commercial officer Jennifer Kiconco and the appeal’s committee will be chaired by the RCC.
The other guidelines are that every vendor should apply for stalls, kiosks, and lockups.
Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, the Mbarara City Mayor said that the new guidelines will ease the process of relocation.
Assy Abireebe Tumwesigire, the Mbarara City Clerk assured the traders that the process of relocation will be transparent.
Penelope Kamusiime, a vendor faulted the city officials for messing up the verification and relocation process. She claims that the officials were demanding bribes from non-vendors who wanted kiosks in the new market.
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