The newly sworn-in Kampala Lord Mayor, Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, has pledged to prioritise the development of decent working spaces in city markets as part of his leadership agenda at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
Balimwezo, dressed in ceremonial robes and chains, made the remarks shortly after taking his oath at City Hall.
“I want you to clap your hands before I start talking and thank the Almighty for this grace and favour that he chose me and you elected me as your lord mayor of Kampala,” Balimwezo said.
The former Nakawa East MP, who belongs to the National Unity Platform (NUP), said most public markets in Kampala were operating under poor conditions.
He revealed that out of the 18 public markets in the city, only Wandegeya, Busega and Bugolobi markets currently offer decent working spaces for traders.
According to Balimwezo, the remaining markets under KCCA require urgent modernisation, improved sanitation and better infrastructure.
He said the situation had recently worsened following the eviction of more than 3,500 street vendors from roadsides and streets across the city.
Balimwezo noted that although maintaining order in the city is important, many families had been left without livelihoods after the evictions.
“There is need for humane and inclusive economic alternatives for low-income earners and informal workers who form a large part of Kampala’s economy,” he said.
He described parliament as “a fertile place to work”, but said the growing challenges facing Kampala compelled him to seek the Lord Mayor position.
He said the KCCA executive director Sharifah Buzeki had assured him of cooperation in executing his mandate.
Several councillors also took oath, including Johnmary Sebuwufu, Prossie Nanfuka Kasule, Olive Namazzi Kagobola, Shamim Nambasa, Idah Zawedde and Hamdan Semugooma Kigozi.
