Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has directed a ban on individuals allegedly posing as landlords and charging exorbitant fees for lockup shops at Hoima Central Market.
Nabbanja issued the directive during her courtesy visit to Hoima Central Market, following complaints from vendors who said they were being forced to pay high fees to access business spaces.
Hoima Central Market was constructed by the central government at a cost of more than Shs13 billion as part of efforts to improve household incomes and provide better trading facilities, particularly for farmers and small-scale traders.
However, despite vendors being given priority to own lockups and shops in the market, many are reportedly renting the spaces from middlemen at what they described as exorbitant rates.
During her visit, the vendors raised the matter with Nabbanja, prompting her to ask Hoima Town Clerk Edward Lwanga to explain how individuals were able to rent out spaces in a government-constructed market.
Nabbanja also contacted Local Government Balaam Barugahara to intervene and address the concerns raised by the vendors.
Following the complaints, the Prime Minister directed that individuals claiming ownership of the lockups and charging vendors high rental fees be stopped from collecting the money.
The directive is aimed at protecting vendors from exploitation and ensuring that the benefits of the government-funded market reach the intended beneficiaries.
The Prime Minister further tasked local authorities to investigate the matter and ensure that the management of the market is conducted in line with government guidelines.
