More than 500 traders at Duhaga Roundabout Market in Hoima West Division are counting losses worth millions of shillings after unknown people allegedly destroyed and stole their merchandise this morning. The incident stems from a long-standing land ownership dispute involving businessman Kabagambe, who claims ownership of the land, while the vendors insist it belongs to them through the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom. 

More than 500 traders at Duhaga Roundabout Market in Hoima City woke up to their stalls vandalized and goods destroyed, with some merchandise allegedly stolen by unknown individuals. The incident has reignited a long-running dispute over ownership of land on which the market operates.

Businessman Kabagambe, who is said to own this property, claims the land is privately owned, while traders insist it was allocated to them by the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom. The chairperson of the market vendors, William Asiimwe, says many traders have outstanding loans and have been left stranded after losing their stock. He appeals to the government to provide them with a permanent market.

Another trader, Kaleem, also known as Bikongoro, says the land was allocated to the vendors by the Queen Mother of the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom, Omugo Margaret Karunga Adyeeri. He questioned why a private individual is now claiming ownership and called on authorities to resolve the matter.

Another trader, Fred Gahweera, condemned the destruction of the traders' property, saying the vendors should have been given adequate notice to vacate peacefully instead of having their goods destroyed.

Several affected vendors say they are counting heavy financial losses and have appealed to Hoima City authorities to intervene and help resolve the dispute.

Responding to the concerns, Hoima West Division Mayor Julius Kyomuhendo said the division leadership was unaware of the operation. He pledged that investigations would be carried out and those responsible for destroying the traders' property would be identified and arrested.