Local Government minister Balaam Barugahara has directed the immediate closure of Yalelo Fish shop in Busia town. The decision was made following complaints from local fish traders over the company's operations. Barugahara ordered Yalelo to sell off its current fish products before halting operations until further notice. This directive was issued during an anti-corruption meeting at Busia District headquarters.
The complaints against Yalelo were led by local fish traders who accused the company of operating illegally at Busia Customs premises. According to the traders, Yalelo has been operating at the premises for about three years. They claim that the premises are not designated for fish business and that Yalelo does not have a municipal council trading licence. The traders also requested that the minister direct all fish traders, including Yalelo, to operate from the main market.
The Busia municipal council had previously resolved to suspend Yalelo's operations unless the company relocated its shop to the main market. John Wafuba, the Busia deputy town clerk, stated that the council had earlier sealed the Yalelo shop. However, the management allegedly broke the seal and resumed operations. Wafuba's statement highlights the ongoing issues between Yalelo and the local authorities.
Traders in the area have expressed concerns that Yalelo's operations have negatively impacted their businesses. Nassar Mulumba, a fishmonger at Busia Main Market, stated that Yalelo's alleged operations at the customs premises have affected business for traders in the main market. Mulumba questioned why companies that allegedly do not pay municipal taxes or revenue are allowed to operate while market traders are required to pay monthly fees.
Kenyatta Wanjala, chairperson of the Busia Fish Vendors Association, emphasized that traders want Yalelo to either leave Busia town or relocate its operations to the main market. Wanjala threatened that traders could stop paying municipal revenue if the authorities allowed fish businesses to continue operating outside the designated market. This warning suggests that the issue may have broader implications for the local business community.
Other traders have also spoken out about the impact of Yalelo's operations. Hassan Sekyette stated that Yalelo had made it difficult for some of their clients from Kenya to access the main market, resulting in losses for local traders. Betty Ofuro Nekesa, a fish vendor, asked Barugahara to close Yalelo's operations in Busia permanently to allow local traders to recover their businesses.
However, a Yalelo employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the company was not ready to close its operations. The employee claimed that Yalelo serves international clients and expressed the company's willingness to comply with all requirements set by the municipal council. The company's response suggests that the issue may not be resolved easily.
Key points
- Local Government minister Balaam Barugahara ordered the closure of Yalelo Fish shop due to complaints from local traders.
- Yalelo allegedly operated illegally at Busia Customs premises without a municipal council trading licence.
- Traders threaten to stop paying municipal revenue if Yalelo is allowed to continue operating outside the designated market.
