By George Bukenya
Kampala, Uganda – Following several complaints raised by Kampala City Traders, the city’s authorities convened a meeting with their leaders from six organizations at Kitante Primary School were they aired out thier grievances.
Among the concerns raised by traders were exorbitant rental charges, flooding, access to sanitation facilities, poor relationships with landlords and the management of traders’ associations.
Having listened to their challenges, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) lead by Lord Mayor Eng.Ronald Balimwezo and the Executive Director pledge Sharifah Buzeki pledged to address such concerns.
Speaking to reporters, Sharifah Buzeki said the authority met leaders of six traders’ associations at Kitante Primary School following complaints submitted to the State House Investor Protection Unit.
The Director said the meeting was aimed at finding practical solutions to challenges affecting traders and creating a better environment for doing business in Kampala.
She also said the authority is encouraging vendors who have not secured trading spaces to use available spaces in government markets, including Wandegeya which still has 250 vacant lock-ups USAFI (50), Nakawa (200) and Luzira has 150.
On the proposed redevelopment of Constitutional Square, Buzeki said KCCA had not been informed that the site had been handed over for redevelopment. She said President Museveni had directed the responsible minister to study a proposal and consult KCCA before reporting back to him.
Buzeki also said KCCA would therefore wait for further guidance before making any decision on the future of Constitutional Square.
On the ongoing road works, she said KCCA had shortened the planned construction period for several road projects from three years to 18 months and was encouraging contractors to work at night to minimize disruption to businesses.
While on the evening and night markets, Buzeki said vendors could operate inside established markets but would not be allowed to extend trading activities onto roads and other public spaces.
Meanwhile, Kampala Lord Mayor Balimwezo Nsubuga called for stricter enforcement of standards governing shops, kiosks and other commercial spaces.
Nsubuga raised concerns over what he described as excessive charges imposed on some business owners and called for greater protection of traders from unfair costs.
He also emphasized the need for buildings with more than four floors to provide lifts and comply with accessibility standards for persons with disabilities.
The Lord Mayor further warned against converting corridors in buildings into rentable commercial spaces, saying they must remain accessible to the public.
Nsubuga said KCCA had strengthened political and technical monitoring of infrastructure projects to ensure contractors comply with approved specifications and quality standards.
He said contractors who unnecessarily delay projects would face penalties, including liquidated damages where provided for under their contracts.
According to Nsubuga, KCCA’s recent engagement with representatives of the African Development Bank and World Bank showed that there had been improvements in project implementation.
He pledged continued monitoring of road and infrastructure projects to ensure timely completion, proper workmanship and value for money.
The KCCA leaders said closer cooperation between the political and technical wings of the authority would be key to improving service delivery and creating a more conducive environment for businesses in Kampala.