KCCA, CITY ABATTOIR VENDORS DISCUSS MARKET LEADERSHIP

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has pledged to address leadership and management challenges in the City Abattoir while working with National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC) to resolve concerns over high water bills.

This was revealed during an engagement between KCCA officials and vendors at the City Abattoir on Thursday.

Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the abattoir is well managed and fully benefits the vendors.

“We are going to ensure proper leadership structures are followed and engage with National Water to address the high water bills,” Minister Kabanda stated.

The meeting, attended by Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, also tackled leadership structures as stipulated under the Markets Act 2023.

Lukwago reiterated the need to work with existing leadership to maintain order in the market.

The Act stipulates that a Market Administrator, appointed by the KCCA Executive Director, oversees the day-to-day management of the market, liaises with administrative authorities, and ensures general maintenance of order.

He also revealed that the City Abattoir, which has been in existence since 1935, requires urgent redevelopment.

KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki called for an accurate registration of vendors to enhance proper market management.

“We need to know the exact number of vendors operating in the abattoir, particularly in Lufula and other departments, to streamline operations and eliminate unnecessary commotion,” Buzeki said.

Vendors expressed concerns, particularly about the high cost of water bills. Bonny Katumba noted that the abattoir pays an estimated UGX 80 million per month, which he described as exorbitant.

“The government directive to place all public markets under KCCA came with measures to address operational costs. This should be implemented. We are ready to work with KCCA, but these concerns need urgent attention,” Katumba added.

Other vendor representatives, including Kassim Kakoza from the clothing department, assured KCCA of their cooperation in efforts to improve market operations.

KCCA reaffirmed its commitment to implementing necessary reforms while ensuring that vendors operate in a well-managed environment. The meeting marked a crucial step in streamlining market administration and addressing the vendors' grievances.