By Mutunzi Saul
Following the flood incident in October last year, where many traders lost their goods, government promised to compensate them with Uganda Shillings 20 billion. However, since the directive by the President, the traders are yet to receive the compensation. Today, leaders have gathered in Kampala to pave ways to solve this.
Addressing the gathering, the President of Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA), John Kabanda, has confirmed that a total of 21 buildings such as Pentagon City, Premier Center, Capital Centre, Qualicel bus terminal, French Plaza, Nana, Ham shopping mall, block And B, Jesco beauty centre, Owino market , etc were affected by the floods and urged the responsible leaders to early the process.
"Am so happy that you have been able to be here. Mr. RCC, these are some of the traders who were affected by the floods last year in October. We therefore want to thank you for being there for us. As you all know, the president gave us Uganda Shillings 20 billion as compensation. Recently, promoters received their Uganda Shillings 7 billion. Am aware, you were planning something as traders, but please first hold on, because we are peacekeeping people. We promise you that you are going to receive your money", he said.
"As FUTA, we your money didn't return to the consolidated fund, and this was an order from above. Me as a person, I wasn't affected but as their leader, I had to do so. Everyone you see here Mr. RCC; was affected by the floods. So, we urge those who are supposed to sign on their final documents, to quicken the process. Over 2000 traders were affected. As RCC has said, we be patient to until the end of this month.", he added. Sesbagala Yusuf from Totala building, one of the traders who were affected pleaded to the leaders and explained how his house is about to be taken by the money lenders, since he can no longer work, to pay the earliers. Nalwada Rebecca and Nabuyuga Margaret, one of the women who were affected have also urged government to quicken the process.
Lule Mawuya, the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Kampala, in his address, he sympathised with the traders and asked for forgiveness for what happened recently, when the traders attacked the premises of the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs. "During the meeting at city hall, Security agencies told me that there are three different lists until they Harmonize. And by next week, I will be informing you. I promise you, by the end of this month, your issue should be settled. Good enough, the Uganda Shillings 20 billion is available and you are going to receive it. But those who never affected by the floods will not receive this money. I want to thank you for paying the revenue", he said.
