By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Youth and Children Affairs Minister Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has urged the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to exercise professionalism in their operations within the city.
According to the minister, the KCCA law enforcement team has been using excessive force against vendors operating illegally on city streets and roadsides. He called on KCCA to treat these vendors, many of whom are youth with dignity and respect.
“I will engage with the Acting Executive Director of KCCA to ensure these young people are treated with dignity while being guided on appropriate ways to work. I will also advocate for market spaces so that young people are allocated 50 percent of the spaces,” Balaam stated.
However, the minister also cautioned vendors against conducting business in prohibited areas, such as on roadsides, trenches, and in the middle of roads.
The minister’s comments come as Uganda, through the Ministry of Gender prepares to host the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights Symposium on November 4th-5th 2024, at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala. The event is part of the “Advancing Respect for Human Rights by Businesses in Uganda” (ARBHR) project, funded by the European Union, Enabel and other partners.
At the project launch earlier this week, EU official Laurianne Comard expressed optimism about the €48 million Business and Human Rights project, stating, “As part of our flagship program supporting sustainable business growth, it’s timely for Uganda as the EU works toward due diligence regulations ensuring businesses uphold human rights.”
Bernard Mujuni, the Commissioner of Equity and Rights at the Ministry of Gender, noted that incorporating human rights in business practices would facilitate access to justice for business operators.
“NAP provides a referral pathway for those individuals who are always complaining to get remedy. Many business operators lack platforms to address issues such as compensation, assessment and resettlement plans, which infringe on their rights,” he said.
Minister Barugahara also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting and protecting human rights in Uganda’s business sector, adding that outstanding local businesses respecting human rights will be recognized and awarded at the symposium.
