Kampala Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Umaru Lule Mawiya, has urged traders operating in city markets to register for the ongoing restructuring programme, saying those who fail to do so risk missing out on government support and losing access to trading spaces.
In an interview with Bbeg Media at his office in Nakasero, Mawiya said the registration exercise is intended to streamline market operations and ensure that genuine traders benefit from government development programmes.
“We call upon all city traders working within city markets to register immediately so that they can benefit from the government’s development programme. We shall be giving out all empty and unused lock-ups to new users. No matter whether they are closed, we shall break them,” Mawiya said.
He revealed that, on the guidance of President Museveni, markets including Wandegeya, Usafi and Busega will undergo redevelopment aimed at improving working conditions for traders and enhancing revenue collection by Kampala Capital City Authority. [WATCH VIDEO]
On the recent eviction of vendors from city streets, Mawiya attributed the operation’s success to joint efforts by the Office of the President, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), security agencies and the minister for Kampala, Minsa Kabanda, who had earlier warned vendors to vacate the streets.
He said the KCCA leadership is focused on restoring order in the city and that other programmes to improve trade and security will follow in due course.
Mawiya commended the coordinated approach to the evictions, noting that vendors, shopkeepers and other stakeholders were engaged in the process.
The former Kalungu East MP said his office is also working closely with leaders in the boda boda and taxi sectors to maintain order in the city.
Responding to concerns about rising robberies allegedly linked to the recent evictions, Mawiya acknowledged the increase in crime and said security agencies, including intelligence services, are intensifying operations across Kampala and the greater metropolitan area.
He called on residents to report cases of indiscipline, including alleged sabotage of KCCA operations, to his deputies in the city’s divisions of Nakawa, Kampala Central, Lubaga and Kawempe.
On the Nakivubo Channel redevelopment project, Mawiya praised Museveni for granting a lease to businessman Hamis Kiggundu, saying the project will help prevent future flooding in the city while creating employment opportunities for young people.
