Africa-Press – Uganda. Traders operating at Ovino Building in Kisenyi have secured temporary relief after authorities suspended the collection of disputed management fees by a private developer, bringing a pause to a long-running dispute over control, ownership, and service charges.
The disagreement centers on developer Tripat, who constructed the building under a condominium arrangement and later sold approximately 35 percent of the shops to individual traders while retaining a majority stake. Traders have accused the developer of continuing to levy charges for utilities and services despite the partial sale, describing the fees as unfair and unjustified.
A breakthrough followed a high-level meeting involving officials from Kampala Central Division, including Resident City Commissioners Ali Shafic Nsubuga and Umar Mawiya, alongside security officers, traders, and representatives of the developer.
During the meeting, RCC Nsubuga directed that the current traders’ leadership assume responsibility for managing the building’s affairs for an interim period of 90 days. He explained that the arrangement is temporary, pending preparations for elections to establish a new management structure.
The decision effectively halts the developer’s collection of management fees as stakeholders seek clarity on ownership rights and governance of the property.
Traders expressed relief after years of frustration. One shop owner cited “arbitrary fee increments and lack of transparency in billing,” saying the situation had placed a heavy financial burden on businesses.
The Federation of Traders Associations, led by John Kabanda, welcomed the intervention, describing it as a timely response to traders’ concerns.
“We welcome the intervention and thank security agencies and government officials for responding to traders’ grievances,” Kabanda said.
He added that traders continue to face broader challenges, including high utility and sanitation costs that affect profitability in Kampala’s commercial sector.
Assistant RCC Fatumah Katongole urged traders to remain united during the transition period and adhere to the interim management framework as authorities work toward a lasting solution.
Some traders said the decision represents long-overdue relief, arguing that once units were sold, the developer no longer had a legitimate basis to impose ongoing charges.
The intervention provides temporary stability as discussions continue on a permanent resolution regarding management rights, service provision, and ownership structure—highlighting wider tensions within Kampala’s condominium and commercial property sector.
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