By Vicent Emong
KUMI
The Kumi business fraternity is at war with the Municipal authorities for denying them right to operate along the Kumi-Mbale Highway, especially at the Roundabout.
The clash originates by the decision of the Municipal Council to ban any trading at the Roundabout and along the Highway to create order and minimize accidents.
The affected businesses are boda boda riders, loading and offloading by Taxi and Bus operators, simsim and orange sellers, chicken sellers and muchomo roasters.
According to them, the authorities have pushed them to operate inside the Park noting that the Park is in bad shape with much dust and no security lights hence putting their businesses and lives at risk.
The angry business community stormed the municipal headquarters on Friday, 17th January, 2025 seeking clarification from the municipal authorities on why they stopped them from operating along the highway and yet it is allowed in other cities and municipalities.
Aruna Osele, the manager Wanagon and Kakise reveals that they are paying rent for office space but they are not allowed to operate along the highway yet since time memorial, they have been working along the highway.
Osele states that their business has been interfered with since the Park is dusty, no lights hence endangering their business and lives.
They blame police for continuing to impound their property and illegally levy a charge ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 shillings in order to recover the property.
Joseph Monday Bagonza, the Kumi Municipality Town Clerk says his work is to implement government directives and policies insisting that no business will operate along the highway and the roundabout calling upon them to utilize the Park.
According to Bagonza, as the town clerk he has to ensure business order in the town by ensuring that all businesses operate in the gazetted places.
Meanwhile, Cosmas Edatu, the District Police Commander of Kumi warns Kumi community to refrain from giving money to police officers outside police and encouraged them to report such officers who extort money to his office for further management.
Edatu revealed that their work is to keep law and order and any person found acting contrary to it will be arrested.
Richard Ochom, the Mayor of Kumi Municipality calls upon the town clerk’s office to expedite the process of ensuring that the Park is put in good shape such that people can engage in business peacefully.
