MUGABE R
Mobile market traders operating in Bugangari Open Market, located in Bugangari Sub County, Rukungiri District, have expressed dissatisfaction with Sub County authorities, accusing them of neglect and causing financial loss.
The traders, under the umbrella of the Rukungiri Mobile Market Traders Association, voiced their concerns on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, following the disruption of their trading activities. This disruption arose after their designated trading ground was occupied by football players.
Bugangari Open Market, traditionally held on the first Monday of each month, was rescheduled for today due to the collision of the first Monday with Christmas Day. Sub-County authorities had announced and publicized the new date. However, upon arrival at the Bugangari playground, the traders found the field occupied by footballers, who refused to vacate the grounds. Traders claim Sub County authorities did little to resolve the situation, leaving them stranded.
Priscilla Turyagyenda, a food vendor, lamented her financial losses, as she was left with unsold food and mounting breakfast debts.
Deus Ahimbisibwe, chairperson of the Rukungiri District Mobile Market Traders Association, criticized the authorities for disregarding their plight. He emphasized that the market is a critical source of income for traders, many of whom rely on it to repay loans.
Ernest Twetabe, alleged to be the mastermind behind the disruption, explained that the incident was a form of protest. He accused traders of failing to clean the playground after previous market days, which he claims led to injuries from sharp objects left behind.
Bernard Tuterine, the market’s revenue collector, decried the financial losses incurred. He highlighted that traders had made three months’ advance payments to the sub-county and incurred operational expenses for today’s market, which ended in disruption.
In response, Emily Ankunda, the Bugangari Sub County Chief, assured traders that the incident is under management and promised steps to prevent such occurrences in the future.
