Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has said the government has started the process of buying 10 acres of land in Kampala at the cost 100M (Shs 370bn) to resettle street vendors.
This means each acre will cost the taxpayer Shs 37bn.
“The other instance of dubious transaction is the matter in which the Central government has earmarked US $100 to purchase 10 acres of land in Kisenyi from a one Bosco Muwonge, ostensibly to resettle street vendors,” said Lukwago.
“As elected leaders in Kampala we have vehemently opposed it since it’s just another cash bonanza for the cartel and mafia,” he added in a letter to the Inspector General of Government.
The revelation, which Lukwago also made at a press conference in Kampala on Wednesday, has stunned the nation.
President Museveni recently gave orders on the streamlining of KCCA markets, ordering KCCA to find open grounds where vendors who were operating on the Streets can be stationed temporarily.
The President further said KCCA should plan for at least two markets in each of the 5 Divisions of Kampala, and one Skilling Centre per Division.
However, Lukwago says Museveni has now written to Finance Minister Matia Kasaija ordering him to buy Muwonge’s land.
“You ask Kasaija if he didn’t receive that letter from Museveni,” said Lukwago.
Efforts to reach Kasaija on Thursday were yet to bear fruit.
Lukwago said the city Council took a resolution that “this exorbitant amount ($100m) be channeled to KCCA for purposes of constructing markets in the five Divisions of Kampala as opposed to buying Muwonge’s land.”
The Mayor said this decision “has irked the cartel and thus resorting to blackmail and intimidation.”
Lukwago yesterday denied any links with Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of Defence and Security, Gen Salim Saleh.
This was after Saleh asked Lukwago for an apology after the Mayor said the Vice President Jessica Alupo and Premier Nabbanja always go to Kapeeka to kneel and worship the retired UPDF General.
Saleh said he has “withdrawn all the support I have been giving you in your fights until you apologise.
