By Peter Mabira
KABALE — Some landlords operating lock-ups at Kabale Central Market have been arrested during an anti-corruption operation led by Minister for Local Government Balaam Barugahara.
The arrests occurred on Friday as Barugahara inspected the government-constructed market under his nationwide Expose the Corrupt campaign in the Kigezi sub-region.
During the inspection, Barugahara directed that traders renting lock-ups and workspaces in the market be registered as owners upon presenting evidence of rental payments.
Some traders told the minister that they had been paying landlords between sh2m and sh4m annually to rent lock-ups, depending on their location within the market.
Barugahara said the lock-ups and stalls were government property and should not be privately owned or rented out for personal gain.
The minister’s intervention comes amid concerns over the management of public market facilities and allegations of private individuals benefiting from government-owned premises.
The anti-corruption campaign began in Rukiga District on Thursday before moving to Kabale District on Friday.
