Row erupts over lease title of Shawuriyako

A fresh row has emerged in Nakivubo Shawuliyaako market, with some traders putting its administration to task to explain why the lease title was transferred in their names. Traders also contest the unfair allocation of stalls by the market executive and failure to provide accountability.

The latest fracas in Shawuliyaako market located next the new taxi park in Kampala, is rooted in the failure of the market administration to conduct a general meeting to iron out pertinent issues.

The traders, most of whom are occupying the adjacent building, allege that the lease title for the new Shawuliyako market was transferred in the names of the executive, as opposed to having it in the names of the association, ‘Nakivubo Shauriyako Market Company Limited.

They also contest the nature in which the shops were allocated after construction. But the General Secretary, Nakivubo Shawuliyako Market Company Limited, Ronald Kirumira, says the 49 year lease title for the market is still intact.

He says what seems to be transfers are two caveats of Nakivubo Shawuliyako Market Vendors Association and First Merchant International, placed by business tycoon Hassan Basajja Balaba, to fail traders from acquiring a loan from DFCU bank for redevelopment.

Traders are further asking the market administration to account for the money spent on construction. The seven storey-building with four complete floors so far, replaced a poor planned market.

In 2006, there was a battle between traders and the would be investor, Hassan Basajjabalaba, over its redevelopment.