Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has vowed to continue defending traders and safeguarding public property from land grabbers, insisting that development must not come at the expense of ordinary citizens.
Lukwago said his office has successfully intervened in several battles to protect key markets, citing the rescue of St. Balikuddembe Market and the intervention that halted an attempt to take over Nakasero Market.
“I want to make it clear that I am not against development, but development must not come at the cost of the property that belongs to our people,” Lukwago stressed.
He emphasised that as Lord Mayor, his role as the chief custodian of Kampala is to ensure justice and equity, particularly for the urban poor who rely on city markets for their livelihoods.
“While cartels want to grab property for themselves, my first duty is to protect what rightfully belongs to the people. I have always stood for justice and equity, especially for the urban poor. I am here to defend the traders,” he added.
Lukwago’s remarks come at a time when concerns about market ownership and management continue to dominate public debate in Kampala.