Embattled Lubaga South Member of Parliament Kato Lubwama on Monday suffered an embarrassment when he was booed and forced off a podium by angry Nateete market vendors.
Lubwama had gone with other leaders including, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Lubaga Division mayor Joyce Nabbossa Ssebuggawo to speak to the vendors who were demonstrating against the alleged sale of their market by KCCA.
As soon as the MP got onto the podium to speak, the angry vendors booed him and later forced him down, saying that he hadn’t done anything to help them.
“For the last 3 months our battle has been ongoing but he has never stepped foot here. This is where he started his campaigns but when it came to addressing our plight, he was nowhere,” the angry vendors accused Lubwama.
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago on the other side was welcomed as a hero by the vendors.
Lukwago says vendors should stay in the market.
In his speech, Lukwago assured them that the legal battle for the vendors to retain the market is still on.
“We are trying to sort this out in court but don’t be intimidated by anyone .The market belongs to vendors,” Lukwago told them.
He blamed some officials from KCCA for being behind the move to sell off the market.
According to Lukwago, KCCA is still trying to look for land to relocate some markets; adding that is appalling that individuals with selfish interests could hand over Nateete market to ‘mafias’.
“How could you displace this one yet we are looking for space where to accommodate Kasubi market. This is not how things are done.”
Vendors on Monday morning took to the main road in Nateete township protesting against the alleged sale of the Nateete market to R.R. Transporters Limited.