Government has condemned the decision by city landlord Drake Lubega to weld-shut the Qualicel Shopping Arcade, one of his buildings, which houses hundreds of business over rental fees.
This follows a demonstration by traders at Qualicell Mall, Nabukeera Plaza, Jamboree Shopping Mall which are claimed by Mr. Drake Lubega and Mr. Mansour Matovu aka Yanga.
Addressing journalists at Media Centre, the state minister for Kampala Benny Namugwanya has said Landlords should stop locking up shops or even welding entrances without following lawful procedures.
The timely statement comes as a response to Mr. Ibrahim Mbowa, the vice chairperson of Kampala Traders Advocacy Forum who asked the government to intervene for them by making a clear statement about the ownership of the buildings.
In the statement, the government has resolved on the issue of ownership of the buildings by maintaining ownership until it is determined by the court.
The government has urged the business owners to keep paying rent when it is due. “The tenants are advised to continue paying rent as it falls due,” Ms. Namugwanya wrote.
Police have been directed to ensure that the premises are accessible and calm and no unwanted disruption of business operations.
