KAMPALA- Traders downtown in the city have gone on strike, refusing to open their shops in protest of a sudden and arbitrary rent increase.
The city traders operating at pentagon city plaza staged a protest today by refusing to open their shops. The demonstration was sparked by a directive from the arcade’s landlord, announcing a 10% increase on top of the monthly rent. The traders are demanding a meeting with the landlord to discuss the sudden rent hike.
Their landlord Drake Lubega, has issued a directive stating that all tenants will be required to pay a 10% rent increase effective December. The notice warns that failure to comply with the rent hike will result in termination of tenancy.
The traders are further frustrated by numerous additional charges that are collectively taking a toll on their businesses. These charges include: A monthly garbage collection fee of 20,000 Shillings, a 30,000 Shilling charge per light bulb and 10,000 Shilling fine for forgetting to turn off lights when leaving the premises.
These extra costs are exacerbating the traders’ concerns. According to Rashid Mugaru, an affected tenant, said the mall management is inconsiderate about the plight of traders, adding that they are tired.
The mall remains shut down, with all shops closed in solidarity. Traders are gathered in groups, engaged in heated discussions about the standoff. Some are holding placards that clearly express their opposition to the rent increase, demonstrating their discontent.
Apart from the rent increase, traders are also protesting another decision made by their landlord, Drake Lubega. He is demanding that they each pay 1 million shillings for display stands or alternatively, purchase their own stands. Robert Nsereko, one of the affected traders, expressed his discontent with Lubega’s decision.
Issa Ssekito, the Spokesperson of Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), the Association, is on hand to lend support to the striking traders, believed to be in their hundreds, both tenants and those who rent spaces from the tenants.
Ssekito has condemned the mistreatment of tenants by landlords, urging them to respect the plight of traders. He emphasized that the relationship between landlords and tenants is mutually beneficial, stating that tenants need landlords, but landlords also need tenants equally.
//Cue in: Akusinga natakuyisa …
