Mukono Municipality Town Clerk, Godfrey Kisekka and his deputy, Majerani Luboyera have disagreed over the management of ‘Ani yali amanyi’ market in Seeta trading center.
On September 19, Kisekka stopped Gongobe Enterprises, a company owned by the landlord where the market is located from establishing offices with an intention of collecting taxes from vendors. He said that there should be no individual or company to claim responsibility for managing or owning the market land until they get guidance from the Attorney General or a competent court.
However, Kisekka was surprised to see another letter written on September 29, by Luboyera calling for a new partnership with Gongobe Enterprises.
According to Luboyera, they consulted the Solicitor General and confirmed that ‘Ani yali amanyi’ market land belongs to Gongobe enterprises. In the letter, Luboyera said that the council had unconditionally withdrawn the caveat and requested a new public-private partnership with the company.
Last month, the Town Clerk declared taking over the management of the market following complaints from vendors over the collection of taxes by Gongobe.
Previously ‘Ani Yali Amanyi’ Vendors Enterprise was formed by vendors acting on behalf of the municipality and was responsible for collecting taxes. Later, Gongobe enterprises also emerged in August. Gongobe belongs to Beatrice Yiga.
Swaibu Mwesigye, the Enterprise Manager Gongobe says that his boss bought off the land years back but has never been bothered to pay fees for the land.
Some of the vendors want the municipal authorities to agree on the way forward for the better management of the market.
Samson Luzige, one of the vendors says the municipality should work with the government to buy off the land if they have failed to prove ownership.
“Contradictory statements communicate volume over ownership of the land where the market seat. We are scared that their fights now might end up affecting us. They should resolve this matter for once and then come up with a joint communication for a better resolution.” Luzige advises.
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