Tension is rising at Kora Norya Daily Market in Mbarara City after vendors were threatened with eviction by the family of the late Sulaiman Mulebera, who claim ownership of the land where the busy market operates.
The market, which hosts about 700 vendors, is one of the busiest in the city. Traders say uncertainty over the land has created fear and instability among those who depend on the market for their daily income.
According to Jacklyn Kankunda, Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Mbarara City North Division, the Mulebera family holds the market tender and is demanding compensation from government. She alleged that the family has been running the market as private property.
“They have been managing the market as if it is theirs, mistreating vendors, harassing them and failing to remit revenue to the city council,” Kankunda said.
She added that she intervened after the vendors were threatened with eviction.
“He was actually threatening to evict the market people until I came in and I stopped him,” she said. “People just cry day and night because of one person where the council made a mistake of giving a tenderer and he claims the land is his, the market is his. How? That is not acceptable.”
Kankunda further alleged that there has been poor leadership at the market and raised concerns about reported violence.
“He used to beat people. You remember we lost two people in that market. No leadership, nothing,” she said.
She noted that discussions are ongoing regarding possible compensation but questioned whether it is justified.
“As we wait and push for his compensation — actually, that’s if he qualifies to be compensated. I still have my question marks on that compensation, and I’ll put it to the President,” Kankunda stated.
City authorities say they are working to restore order and protect vendors as the dispute is addressed.
