The vendors note that since most commodities are scattered along the different streets within Jinja town, most people prefer buying from the street vendors instead of wasting their time to enter the shops or market.
Umar Musoke, one of the vendors who lost properties in the fire, says that they heard a big blast from the neighbouring kiosk, prompting all vendors to converge in the fire assembly point. He adds that not much was saved as they fled to save their dear lives from the flames which destroyed food items, beverages and electronics.
Karadi, the chairperson of a nine-member committee which was on Tuesday instructed by the Jinja town clerk, Ambrose Ochieng to be a caretaker of the association ahead of next month’s elections, was blocked by vendors who argued that elections of the market leadership should not be influenced by security officials and municipal authorities.
The roadside vendors had been evicted by Mpumudde division authorities following complaints that they were blocking access to the Amber Court market. Instead, the vendors took to the streets to protest against the eviction on grounds that they had no alternative place for their operations.
The fire destroyed more than 30 stalls and 25 kiosks. The items destroyed include wooden stalls, fridges, and groceries like 80 bags of posho, 150 bags of rice, fruits and vegetables, among others.
Jinja Hospital administration has issued a notice of eviction to all kiosk owners. The Hospital Director Dr Edward Nkurunziza says that the hospital received 3.5 billion Shillings from the finance ministry to construct staff quarters in the area. Dr Nkurunziza says that the construction is due to start next month.
