Mbarara fish vendors protest against high rental fees.

Mbarara: Fresh fish vendors in Mbarara Central Market have protested against the high rental fees.

The protests came on Wednesday 06th March 2024 during a meeting with Members of Parliament on the Public service and local governments committee. 

The MPs are currently on an oversight tour of the 12 Markets constructed under the Markets Agricultural Trade Improvement Programme project phase 2 (MATIP2).

The fish vendors, who pay a monthly rental fee of 100,000 Shillings, argue that the amount is too high given their low-income status. 

Carrying banners and placards, the fresh fish vendors accused the city council authorities of keeping a deaf ear and ignoring their pleas to have the rental fees reduced to 50,000 shillings.

Crish Rugemwa, the General Publicity Mbarara Central Market accused the council leadership of not consulting them when they were setting the fees.

He also accused the leadership of charging different fees. They said those selling fresh fish are charged 100,000 Shillings and those dealing in dry fish pay 30,000 Shillings.

Asse Abireebe Tumwesigire the City Town Clerk said that the charges were agreed by the council after consulting the market leadership. He however said that he would meet the vendors on the matter.

Emmanuel Muhumuza, the chairperson of the market, criticized the city authorities for ignoring the concerns of fish vendors. He called for an amicable resolution through a meeting.

Jimmy Lwanga, the Member of Parliament for Njeru Municipality and the Acting Chairperson of the committee called for calmness among the vendors and asked the city leadership to meet the vendors and resolve the matter.