By John Ogulei
SOROTI CITY
The Soroti City Woman Member of Parliament who also doubles as the Vice Chairperson Teso Parliamentary Group has called on the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Investment to institute an audit inquiry on to the wrongful allocation of Stalls at Soroti central Main Market.
Joan Alobo Achom made the remarks while addressing the media in Soroti town on Wednesday Morning, 27th October 27, 2021 noting that the leadership of the market and the city authorities have messed up the allocation of stalls and they deserve to be investigated.
According to Alobo, the mess at Soroti Central Main Market can only be best solved if the Parliamentary Committee on Trade and Investment pitches camp in Soroti.
Alobo’ statement follows yesterday’s incident where police blocked her from accessing and addressing Market vendors.
She said that, “I have received growing concerns by the business community against the Technical staff and the vendors’ leadership. As an area MP I devote myself to stand with the people to find a lasting solution.”
She further added that, “We need an audit inquiry instituted in this Market. The leadership headed by one Iriebat and a few people have messed the allocation of stalls.”
Mrs. Alobo, a Member of Forum for Democratic Change Party also noted with concern the manner at which the market leadership has deliberately refused to listen to the plea of other vendors.
“Stalls have been allocated to civil servants yet the vulnerable people aren’t catered for. We need to Audit this market. Am going to write to the committee to come here, some people can’t mess us and then go unpunished,” she added.
The MP also promised to follow up with the Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magezi who last week gave Soroti City leadership an ultimatum of three weeks to sort out the mess at the Market.
“Last time I informed the Minister about the Market issue and am happy he acted positively. Am going to further talk to him so that this matter comes to rest,” she noted.
The Market Leadership together with Police yesterday denied MP Alobo access to the market without clear reasons.
She was expected to have met with the Market vendors to understand their plight, having heard that a section of vendors had threatened to sue the city council over breach of contract agreement.
Alobo also wondered why the market authorities allowed people without businesses to own lockups which they are now renting out to those without stalls at a high cost.
“We are keeping our eyes on the progress and ensuring that the rightful people benefit,” she further intimated.
