Mukono Municipality Town Clerk, Godfrey Kisekka and his deputy, Majerani Luboyera have disagreed over management of ‘Ani yali amanyi’ market in Seeta trading center.
On September 19, Kisekka stopped Gongobe Enterprises, a company owned by the landlord claiming land where the market is located from establishing offices with an intention of collecting taxes from vendors.
He also instructed that there should be no individual or company to claim responsibility of managing or own market land until they get guidance from the Attorney General or competent court.
However, Kisekka was surprised to see another letter written on September 29, by his deputy, Luboyera apologizing to the Director of Gongobe enterprises for distress caused to her firm before calling for a new partnership.
“I saw the letter yesterday morning and I was shocked. It has been used as they planned to repeal caveats, contrary to my plea to the Attorney General to retain the same caveat. So, the verdict we have been waiting for is meaningless.” Kisekka says.
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In the letter, Luboyera said that they had unconditionally withdrawn the caveat requested for a new public private partnership.
Last month, the Municipality the town clerk declared taking over the management of the market following a loud cry from vendors over collection of taxes by Gongobe.
Previously ‘Ani Yali Amanyi’ Vendors Enterprise formed by vendors and acting on behalf of the municipality was responsible for collecting taxes. Later, Gongobe enterprises also emerged on August 3, this year.
Gongobe belongs to Beatrice Yiga, the wife of the former AIGP Fred Yiga. The Enterprise Manager, Swaibu Mwesigye says that his boss bought off the land years back, but the municipality has never been bothered to pay fees for the land.
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 sits. 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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