Kamuli traders in tears as 68 lock-ups are returned to council

Traders and businessmen were left in shock and tears after the Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, ordered that lock-ups whose leases had expired revert to the ownership of Kamuli Municipal Council.

“Your 20-year lease expired in 2023 and ownership legally reverts to Kamuli Municipal Council as from May 1, 2026. You are no longer landlords. The government trade order is also in force, therefore no more street vending and everybody must trade from a gazetted place,” Magyezi said.

He further directed enforcement officers to implement evictions humanely, allowing traders to remove their goods and kiosks, except in cases of resistance.

The Minister also emphasized the need for proper urban planning, urging local governments to consider public-private partnerships in managing commercial structures and ensuring safety standards.

Kamuli Traders and Businessmen chairperson Mubarak Isabirye described the decision as shocking, saying earlier negotiations had been mismanaged and politicised.

“We are going to remain calm and explore all possible avenues to ensure former landlords get priority and a win-win arrangement is reached,” Isabirye said.

Some traders said they had underestimated the expiry of the leases, while others accused council officials of inflating renewal charges and miscommunication.

“It was said that 5 million shillings was required for a 20-year renewal, which sparked protests. Now we realise the council itself is the landlord,” one trader said anonymously.

Kamuli Municipal Clerk Stanislaus Mangasa said 68 lock-ups had expired in 2023 and traders were notified for renewal, but many chose to politicise the process.

“We are forming an allocation committee. Priority will be given to active traders, and no one will hold more than one lock-up,” Mangasa said.

He added that future tenancy will be annual, with the Municipal Council acting as the primary landlord under regulated leasing arrangements.