Government has once again stopped arcade owners in Kampala from charging their tenants toilet fees. Kampala Minister Betty Amongi yesterday said collecting such fees is a form of exploitation.
“Today I notified traders of the statutory instrument that I will soon issue to abolish payments by tenants renting premises for using toilets. The Public Health Act mandates all buildings to provide toilet facilities free,” Amongi said.
The minister explained that the Cabinet’s decision comes after the continued complaints by traders in arcades.
“The Public Health Act specifies that when you are building any public structure, you are supposed to provide sanitation services. The sub-committee chaired by Gen Moses Ali shared the recommendations and they were debated extensively in Cabinet. Cabinet then resolved to abolish payment of toilet fees by tenants in city arcades,” she said.
However, Amongi said owners are allowed to charge shoppers and passers-by toilet fees not exceeding Shs200 to prevent strangers from invading the facilities.
Last year when President Museveni visited the city, he issued a similar directive but arcade owners vowed not to stop charging.