Summary:

• Over 100 kiosk owners near Kabale Regional Referral Hospital are protesting a district security directive to vacate the area within 21 days, citing security concerns and allegations of collusion in drug theft.

KABALE, (Examiner) – More than 100 kiosk owners near the main gate of Kabale Regional Referral Hospital are protesting a directive from the district security committee to vacate the area. While the committee cites security reasons, the traders argue the directive is malicious and threatens their livelihoods.

Last week, Kabale Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Nyakahuma, who also chairs the district security committee, issued a 21-day ultimatum for the traders to leave or face eviction. Nyakahuma stated that his decision was based on complaints from the hospital administration about kiosks allegedly involved in collusion with health workers to steal government drugs.

Additional concerns include the lack of sanitary facilities for kiosk operators and allegations that their shelters harbor criminals who attack health workers and intern students at night. Nyakahuma suggested the hospital should allocate space for a canteen to serve patients and their attendants instead.

However, kiosk operators, led by chairperson Lawrence Karubanda, refute these allegations. Karubanda emphasized that the traders are recognized by Kabale Municipal Council and pay annual trading licenses. He denied any involvement in drug theft or harboring criminals, labeling the ultimatum as a malicious attempt to disrupt their businesses, many of which have been operating since 1994.

Karubanda highlighted that the kiosks serve around 500 people daily, including health workers, students, patients, and caregivers. He also noted compliance with a 2018 directive from Kabale Municipal Council to replace wooden kiosks with metallic ones for fire safety.

The traders argue they have adequate sanitary facilities, including a pit latrine and urinals, contradicting claims of unsanitary conditions. Kiosk operator Marion Arinitwe described the ultimatum as unfair, especially since traders are servicing bank loans and supporting families without an alternative location to operate.