Traders operating at Entebbe Taxi Park have petitioned the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Atenyi, seeking his intervention over what they describe as exorbitant charges, alleged extortion and the irregular sale of lock-ups at the taxi park.
The traders claim that some lock-ups are being sold for between Shs8 million and Shs25 million, prices they say are beyond the reach of ordinary entrepreneurs seeking to establish legitimate businesses.
In a petition dated August 8, 2026, obtained by this publication, the traders appealed to the Minister to intervene and address what they describe as serious irregularities in the allocation and management of lock-ups at Entebbe Taxi Park.
The petitioners say they support the Government’s “No Kiosk” policy, which requires businesses to operate from designated lock-ups in an effort to improve order and the trading environment.
However, they allege that the implementation of the policy has created opportunities for individuals with access to multiple lock-ups to exploit genuine traders.
According to the petition, some individuals, including alleged councilors and commercial officials, are accused of holding multiple lock-ups, some of which are allegedly underutilised or not being used for business, while genuine applicants remain without trading spaces.
The traders further claim that those who manage to secure lock-ups from individuals pay as much as Shs800,000 per month, despite the council’s reported monthly charge of about Shs180,000.
The petitioners argue that the alleged difference in charges and the reported sale of lock-ups for millions of shillings have made it difficult for ordinary traders to benefit from the Government’s policy.
Part of the petition reads:
“I write to you as a concerned resident of Kiwafu, Entebbe Taxi Park, as an entrepreneur seeking to operate a lawful business within the community. For a considerable time, I have formally applied for a lock-up at the Entebbe Taxi Park, unfortunately I have never been allocated one.”
The petition continues:
“I understand and support the recent ‘No Kiosk’ policy, which rightly mandates that businesses operate from designated lock-ups in our communities. This policy is progressive and aims to restore order and dignity to our trading environment.”
The traders, however, say the policy risks failing to achieve its intended purpose unless the alleged abuse in the allocation and management of lock-ups is addressed.
They have therefore called on the Minister of Local Government and other relevant authorities to investigate the allegations, establish how lock-ups are being allocated and ensure that genuine traders are given an opportunity to access the facilities at reasonable and official rates.
The allegations contained in the petition have not independently been verified, and the individuals accused of holding multiple lock-ups or benefiting from their sale have not been given an opportunity to respond to the claims in the petition.
As a concerned journalist, I appeal to Minister Balaam Barugahara Atenyi and his deputy, Hon. Justine Nameere, to urgently look into the concerns raised by the traders.
If the allegations are found to be true, the situation requires decisive action to protect ordinary traders and ensure that public facilities are managed transparently and in accordance with Government policy.
This is a matter that deserves attention, not another term of sleepless nights for struggling traders.
