Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-03-16 16:37:21
Members of Parliament (MPs) have raised concerns about the management and alleged corruption at Busia main market, leading to the summoning of Busia District authorities. The summoned leaders include the town clerk, Mr. Ronald Baganza, Mayor Mr. Sadiki Amin, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Mr. Michael Kibwika, and the district LC5 chairman, Mr. Stephen Wasike Mugeni, among others.
The Local Government and Public Service Committee of Parliament, chaired by Mr. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, highlighted the mismanagement of the Shs39.5 billion facility by the aforementioned leaders. Mr. Mapenduzi expressed disappointment in the poor performance of Busia main market, citing empty stalls, lack of water and electricity, and blocked toilets as major issues. He criticized the leaders for allowing vendors to operate in unauthorized areas instead of utilizing the government facility.
A report presented by Mr. Baganza indicated that out of 854 stalls in the market, only 304 were occupied, leaving 550 stalls vacant. The occupancy rate was reported to be only 41%, significantly affecting revenue collections. Mr. Mapenduzi requested Mr. Baganza to sign the document before further presentation to the committee.
Local vendors, like Orlando Lukiya and Muzamiru Musobya, expressed grievances over the mismanagement of the market. The presence of food vendors around the market negatively impacted their businesses, leading to decreased sales. Lack of proper management of electricity left the market without adequate lighting, affecting vendors in different sections like the kitchen area.
Additionally, modern toilet facilities in the market were allegedly closed by municipal council authorities, leaving traders with no convenient facilities. Ms. Joan Nakamya pointed out corruption and selfishness as the root causes of the market’s poor performance. She accused leaders of illegally collecting money from vendors operating in unauthorized areas, compromising the operations of the main market.
As the investigations unfold, vendors like Mr. John Lubowa struggled to make sales and pay taxes due to low customer turnout. Some vendors accused municipal council authorities of extortion, claiming that enforcement teams were impounding motorcycles and charging exorbitant fees for their release. The former mayor, Mr. Michael Mugeni, and other vendors accused Mayor Mr. Sadiki Amin of disregarding council resolutions and protecting illegal vendors for political gain.
Busia main market was constructed at a cost of Shs39.5 billion with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Municipal Agricultural Improvement Programme (MATIP). Commissioned in 2020 by President Museveni, the market is one of the largest in the country and includes a value addition component for cereals.
The ongoing probe and allegations of corruption and mismanagement have cast a shadow over the Busia main market, raising concerns about the accountability and transparency of local authorities. The summoned leaders will need to address these issues and provide explanations to restore confidence in the market’s operations and management.
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