By Hon . Margaret Rwabushaija Namubiru.
The objectives of the bill is to reform the law relating to establishment and control of markets in Uganda, and to provide for the establishment and management of public and private markets.
It also provides for licensing of private markets, and for market departments and Market management committees for all markets, and to provide for registration of markets and vendors including levying and collection of market fees.
The current Markets Act Cap 94 was enacted in 1942 by the Legislative Council (Legco), which was the legislative arm of the colonial government whose aim was to champion the interests of the colonial masters.
Local governments will now be required to register all markets and vendors within their area of jurisdiction, and empowering the Minister responsible for local governments to oversee and make rules and regulations for effecting the Act.
A private market proprietor who intends to alter the layout and design of space for a business activity within the market will be required to submit alteration plan to appropriate local authority for approval.
The Minister shall take into account special needs for persons with disabilities, women, and ensure properly designated areas for access by persons with disabilities, baby care and nursing centres, and separate toilets for men and women.
The bill empowers local authorities on receipt of the applications to verify within 14 working days the information to establish compliance with the terms and conditions for grant of a licence.
The bill sets qualifications for leaders where a person shall not be elected as Chairperson or Secretary of the Market Management Committee unless he or she has completed a minimum formal education of Ordinary Level or its equivalent.
Local authorities shall in consultation with the Ministry or Minister responsible for Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) determine the rates and fees levied in a market under its area of jurisdiction.
A person who operates a market in contravention of the terms and conditions of the license issued under the Act commits an offence and is liable , on conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred twenty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding two years, or both.
The bill states that a local authority may in relation to its powers and functions under the Local Government Act, Kampala Capital City Act, 2020 or any applicable law, make bylaws ordinances for managing markets within its area of jurisdiction.
A market established under the Markets Act and existing immediately before the coming into force of the Act shall be deemed to have been established under the Act, and shall within three years after coming into force of the Act comply with its provisions. The new bill seeks to provide for mechanisms for dispute resolution in respect of markets■
