Pricing Dispute Arises Among Masaka Market Vendors
Masaka vendors, who recently relocated to the new Masaka Central Market in August 2023, have raised objections to what they perceive as high fees for market space. The affected vendors primarily deal in vegetables, bananas (matooke), cereals, and operate in lock-up stalls.
Mr. Frank Tumwesigye, a spokesperson for the disgruntled vendors, has voiced their concerns. They are being charged monthly fees ranging from Shs150,000 to Shs200,000, depending on the size of their stalls. This pricing, they argue, is unreasonably high, especially considering their struggle to attract customers in the new market.
Some other vendors, such as those selling vegetables and matooke, are paying Shs30,000 per month. Butchers, dairy product sellers, and vendors operating in lock-ups are also required to pay between Shs150,000 and Shs200,000 monthly, leading to further discontent.
Ms. Agnes Namukwaya, a banana vendor, recalled the old market where they used to pay Shs5,000 in dues, later increased to Shs10,000, which was also challenging for them. The new rates have nearly tripled, and she called upon the city council to allow them to continue paying the previous charges of Shs10,000 or Shs15,000, instead of the current Shs30,000.
Mr. Joseph Kityo, another vendor, emphasized that many locals still purchase goods from vendors operating on the streets. He urged city authorities to ensure all vendors relocate to the new market, which currently has several empty stalls due to vendors relocating to a community market in Kkumbu Taxi Park. Without rate revisions, Mr. Kityo believes they might return to the streets.
Mr. Tom Luyombya, the secretary for finance for Masaka City, defended the new rates, arguing that they are reasonable when compared to what vendors pay for similar space on nearby buildings on Elgin Street or Edward Avenue, where monthly charges exceed Shs300,000.
He added that if vendors have concerns about the established rates, they should communicate their grievances with the city council rather than refusing to pay.
City authorities aim to collect at least Shs10 million in revenue from the new market each month. A portion of this income will be allocated for garbage collection, utility payments, and market maintenance.
In August, Masaka City Council approved a new market policy that introduced these revised rates. The policy is pending approval from the Ministry of Local Government, and responses from the ministry are still awaited.
As of press time, the Minister for Local Government, Mr. Raphael Magyezi, had not responded to inquiries regarding this matter.
