The Parliamentary Committee on Public Service and Local Government has raised concerns regarding the Busia market, which was constructed by the government, citing potential closure due to poor hygiene conditions. Chaired by Martin Mapenduzi, the committee engaged with market vendors and political leaders of Busia Municipal Council, highlighting that the market has been neglected by vendors who are now conducting business outside its premises, resulting in revenue losses for the government.
During the committee’s inspection of Busia market, Chairperson Martin Ojara Mapenduzi disclosed instances where certain individuals utilized vacant market stalls for improper purposes. Additionally, he called for a police inquiry into allegations of political interference, particularly involving the Mayor of Busia Municipal Council, Sadik Amin, who purportedly compelled a group of vendors to relocate outside the market by providing them with umbrellas.
Mapenduzi emphasized the necessity for thorough scrutiny of all political figures within Busia Municipal Council to address behaviors obstructing the market’s operations. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Local Government, Victoria Rusoke, acknowledged deficiencies in the market’s construction and pledged to dispatch a team from the Ministry of Local Government to rectify issues such as ensuring access to safe water and power, along with reassessing the market’s layout for improved functionality.
