Authorities in Kabale Municipality have blamed the Ministry of Local Government for the delay in addressing critical issues concerning Kabale Central market.

Hon Raphael Magyezi, Minister of Local Government, in January last year, initiated a committee led by Kabale Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Ronald Andrew Bakak, to investigate complaints from vendors who were excluded from the relocation process to Kabale Central market. The committee's mandate was to scrutinize documents such as memorandums of understanding, national identity cards, and allocation slips from each vendor to uncover issues in the verification and distribution process.

During yesterday's meeting held at Kabale Municipal Hall, Kabale Resident District Commissioner, Godfrey Nyakahuma, expressed concern over the lack of action by the Ministry of Local Government since the submission of the report to the Ministry of Local Government. He noted that this delay has created discontent among vendors, leading to protests and insecurity in the area.

Rev Can Jack Katarishangwa, the chairperson of the Kabale Central Market Lock-Up Owners Association, emphasized that they are now demanding compensation from the government to vacate the market premises and explore alternative livelihood options.

Kabale Municipality Mayor, Emmanuel Sentaro Byamugisha, stated that the municipality lacks the financial resources to compensate vendors and suggested that the issue be addressed under the Market Act and by the Ministry of Local Government rather than through his office.

However, when questioned about the matter, Engineer Emmanuel Mwebesa, responsible for infrastructure at the Ministry of Local Government, said he will defer these issues it to the Minister of Local Government.