Clare N
Vendors operating at Mpanga Market have staged a protest following the death of their colleagues who were crushed by a collapsing building yesterday evening.
On Wednesday this week, residents of Fort Portal were left in shock after an old, condemned building belonging to a one Asaba Mudaki suddenly collapsed near Mpanga Market, killing two vendors and left more others injured.
No official statement from police yet, but the victims have been identified by fellow vendors as Ronald Kaganzi, a resident of Rwengaju, who died on the spot, and Wilson Muhumuza from Buhesi who was pronounced dead upon arrival at Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital and many others who sustained serious injuries.
The vendors who are captured by Jubilee Radio, expressed anger over what they called Mudaki’s refusal to demolish the condemned structure, despite repeated warnings from the City Council.
Rose Kabahenda, a vendor at Mpanga Market, said the victims were innocent passersby who met their tragic end unexpectedly. She called on Mudaki to compensate the bereaved families, noting that the deceased had responsibilities.
Vendors disatisified with the landlord
Mugenyi Karim, the immediate neighbor to Mudaki’s building who owns the place where the deceased met their death, equally blamed Mugaki for failing to bring down the old structure, saying his negligence cost lives.
Katusabe Muhammad Kanzari, a concerned citizen, questioned how Fort Portal City Council could condemn a building yet continue allowing operations around it. He accused the council of carelessness and warned that vendors might take matters into their own hands if action is not taken.
Council Blamed
Joram Bintamanya, the aspiring Mayor for Central Division, attributed the tragedy to corruption and negligence within the City Council. He said such incidents will continue to occur if the council fails to enforce building safety regulations.
The Central Division Mayor, Muhumuza Mutima Richard, confirmed that the collapsed building was not paying taxes since it had been declared unsafe. He said investigations are underway to confirm whether the building was officially condemned, adding that if proven, the landlord, Mugaki, will be compelled to compensate the affected families.
He also urged the City Council to inspect and condemn other old buildings in Fort Portal to prevent similar tragedies.
Efforts to reach the building owner, Mugaki, were unsuccessful, as he is reportedly unwell and under medical care.
Meanwhile, City Clerk Ambrose Acen said his office will soon release an official statement regarding the unfortunate incident.