KAMPALA – Workers in labour movements have been asked to consult comprehensively in their networks for better ideas to enrich the Market Bill.
The Workers MP, Hon. Margaret Namubiru Rwabushaija has for the last weeks has been consulting for a new law that would give chance to individual Ugandans to own markets, a move that would likely put an end to the monopoly Local Governments have had in running markets across the country.
Speaking at a consultative meeting on the same held at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala she argued that there is need for vendors to be involved in the process of tendering so as they also win tenders of the markets to generate revenue to better their income and lives.
“I have walked with you for a whole year and we are together on this journey. Get as many ideas as possible, consult within your different networks so that we come out with a good bill,” said Rwabushaija.
While tabling her motion seeking leave of Parliament to introduce the private member’s bill recently, Rwabushaija said that the Establishment and Management of Markets Bill 2020, seeks to repeal the Markets Act Cap 94 of 1942, to provide for the establishment, ownership, and management of markets in Uganda, to make provision for the Market Management Committee; and for related matters to minimize on the current legal battles experienced in different markets.
Rwabushaija said that the bill will, among other things, provide for the establishment of enhanced designs and sufficient space in markets.
She urged them to vote for her come 2021 as their MP because she has represented the workers ably and has been at the forefront of recruiting members for unions.
Hon. Arinaitwe Rwakajara, also a Workers MP, commended Ms Rwabushaija for a good bill saying that there is need to regulate markets, adding that all the stakeholders will be invited to give their input and afterwards it will return to parliament and the whole House will debate it and pass it.
Another Workers MP, Hon. Charles Bakkabulindi added that the workers ought to know that they are making a national law that looks at all the markets in the country, adding that markets are the biggest contributor of the economy and given many Ugandans jobs. “Today’s vendors are being run by educated people which were not the case in the past,” Bakkabulindi noted.
Female Workers MP, Agnes Kunihira noted they will ensure that the child care centre is established to enable mothers working in the markets to use it for breastfeeding their babies.
The Executive director of the Institute for Social Transformation, Ritah Atukwasa appealed to the MPs to make a law that will protect vendors from mafias who grab land. Atukwasa also said any decision taken should be in consultation with the vendors.
Jeffrey Ntaro from the Local Government ministry said that their intention is to ensure every Ugandan is happy and contributing to the economy. “There exist conflicts in the markets and this is why we need to work together to ensure we have a regulated market conducive for everybody, “explained Ntaro.
Parliament recently granted leave to Workers MP Margaret Rwabushaija to introduce the establishment and management of markets bill, 2019 that will allow individuals own and set up markets.