The fish vendors, who typically pay a monthly rental fee of Shs100,000, have refused to pay for the past twelve months, arguing that the amount is too high given their low income.
Assy Abirebe Tumwesigyire, the Mbarara city clerk stated that negotiations between the council and the fish vendors have failed to yield an agreement, as the vendors demand a reduction in fees, which the council deems unfeasible.
Tumwesigyire explained that the council calculated the rental fees based on the expenses required for market maintenance, amounting to Shs30 million monthly.
He emphasized that compromising on this position is not an option and non-compliant vendors will be required to vacate the market within one week, with the option to pay all arrears owed to the council or face legal action.
Expense grievances
In response, the vendors have declared their intention to remain in the market and have warned of peaceful protests.
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Justine Natukunda, the Chairperson of the Fish Department in Mbarara Central Market, highlighted their reluctance to pay the high fee of sh100,000 monthly, citing additional expenses such as electricity bills of 300,000 Shillings for freezers, water bills of 22,000 Shillings, and the rent, totalling 422,000 Shillings monthly, which they consider excessive compared to other vendors.
Natukunda expressed their willingness to pay if fee reductions are communicated to them.
Compromise and past reforms
Abbas Nsegimana, another fresh fish vendor, revealed that they have deposited five months’ rent arrears totalling 3.4 million Shillings with the Mbarara City Traders Association, hoping for a reduction from 100,000 to 50,000 Shillings.
Emmanuel Muhumuza, the chairperson of the market, criticized the city authorities for ignoring the concerns of fish vendors throughout the year and called for an amicable resolution through a meeting.
This marks the second protest by Mbarara Central Market vendors against high monthly rental fees.
Last year, during the vendors’ relocation, authorities had initially directed them to pay rent fees ranging from 30,000 to 300,000 Shillings, leading to protests and subsequent reductions for some vendors. However, the fish vendors are now requesting further reductions.