President Yoweri Museveni has today visited traders in different areas Kampala Central Division comprising both the informal and business community sectors with the aim of getting to know their challenges with to empowering them in their respective organised groups.
Among the places that Mr. Museveni visited included Nakasero Market, Old Taxi Park, St. Balikuddembe Market also popularly known as Owino Market, Qualicell Bus Terminal at the New Taxi Park on the Kampala Namirembe Road and Kisekka Market and PWDs Market.
During the over 6-hour visit, the traders narrated to the President their challenges that range from high water and electricity charges, complaints over taxes levied by the Uganda Revenue Authority and Kampala Capital City Authority, the delay at border points where officials use hands to search the imported merchandise as well as well as alleged extortion by land lords, among other challenges.
President Museveni, among other issues, faulted the former leaders of Kampala City for selling markets that were initially managed by Kampala City Council to help starters and low-income earners.
“Government had put these markets to act as nursery for those who want to start businesses and low income earners but your people sold them without even consulting me. If they do that where would the starters start from?” he asked.
He suggested that the markets be returned to the management of KCCA or be managed by the original people instead of benefiting the few rich people at the hands of the majority poor.
President Museveni donated money to different organised SACCOs with the aim of empowering them to kick out poverty and improve their incomes.
The President also observed that it is wrong for the arcade owners to levy money on people for using public washrooms saying that the facilities are part of the requirements for any structure in the city.
He, therefore, said it was wrong to slap financial charges on people using those facilities.
President Museveni congratulated and thanked the business community for their hard work amidst challenges. He assured them that government will look into the challenges that they are facing.
He, however, asked the people of Kampala to always vote leaders that will support the needs of the people.
Traders from different locations thanked the President for the good leadership he has exhibited ever since the National Resistance took over political power.
They assured him of their support for government programs.