Betty Kamya – recent death of street vendor should not be excuse for hawkers and vendors return

By Damali Mukhaye:

The minister for Kampala Betty Kamya says the recent death of the street vendor should not be used as an excuse by hawkers and vendors to return to the streets.

The 35 year- old woman drowned last week as she fled from law enforcement officers who were pursuing her, drawing fierce criticism from rights activists.

Addressing journalists at the Media Center today, Kamya said she had received complaints from the shop owners about the influx of street vendors following the death of their colleague.

Kamya says she is saddened by the loss of life and the authority is grieving with the deceased’s family but insists that the KCCA enforcement officers did not cause her death since no one pushed her into the channel.

Earlier today KCCA announced the withdrawal of all its enforcement officers from the field saying many had received threats on their lives.

Written by David Kugonza