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Rent in arcades overwhelms former Kisekka market vendors

OWNERS of shopping arcades in the vicinity of Kisekka Market have hiked rent fees as traders who previously operated in the market seek refuge there.Kisekka Market, which was dogged by wrangles over ownership, was demolished at the end of last year to pave way for redevelopment.The demolition, came at the heels of a court injunction secured by some of the traders to temporarily stop the demolition, until the pending case over ownership was resolved in court.The traders shifted to nearby buildings which include Namayuba, Nabukera Plaza, Rohana, Ravens and Samba Complex following demolition of the market. Other traders shifted to Kampala suburbs of Nalukolongo, Ndeeba and Katwe.A survey by New Vision around some of the arcades revealed that the traders were paying more rent fees compared to what was pertaining before.Aminah Namyalo, who moved to Nabukera Plaza, said rent ranges from sh300,000 for 0.5 square metres to sh1m for slightly over one square metre. She said this is too high compared to the sh100,000 the traders used to pay for a lock-up shop at Kisekka Market.“The relocation of my business has affected me. l no longer get enough profits to help me take care of my family and business,” Namyalo lamented.She added that besides the high rent charges, the building has only one toilet facility, which is not enough, compared to the number of people on the building.The older tenants on these arcades, however, said the rent hike has not affected them. Some said they were not even aware of it.A trader who only identified herself as Nabirye said she pays sh100,000 for the small space she shares with other traders. Nabirye said over 10 traders share a small space of about two square metres.Another trader identified as Nantaba also said she pays the same amount for her small portion.The chairman of Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), Everest Kayondo, said the association has no control over rent charged. He, however, explained that some landlords charge a fee called a letting agency fee.Robert Kisembo, the market chairperson, denied knowledge of the rent hikes. He said his concern is the money which will be solicited from the traders to reconstruct the market.Kisekka traders will pay sh9m to sh40m depending on the floor they will be allocated to operate on in the new market, whose construction is estimated to cost sh6.4b.He said reconstruction of the market is expected to start January 15 and the traders are expected to contribute 20% of the construction costs.