MICHAEL N
Traders in Ntungamo Central Market have raised their voices over the government delaying the construction of a modern market within their area, citing that this has greatly reduced the number of traders within the market, others resorting to trading in front of other businesses, and others at Miriam Hills border stage.
Speaking to Caroline Kyarisima, a trader stressed that whenever it rains, the place is always affected by floods and mud. During the sunny season, perishable goods like greens and vegetables usually dry, which affects the progress of their businesses, hence resulting in losses.
Gordon Mubanginzi and Endie Musiimenta, both traders in the central market, stressed that they have all along waited for the construction of this market since 2015 up to date, but there’s no feedback from authorities. They say this has now put them at risk of almost falling when a strong wind blows.
Other traders identified as Joy Kasande and Loyce stressed and appealed to leaders and the government for swift intervention. She expressed her dissatisfaction at how the president and First Lady could be coming from Ntungamo, commonly taken as the first district, but its main central market is in such a terrible condition.
Chairperson Ntungamo Central Market traders, Mr. Abias Agaba Basingi, attributed the decline in the population of traders in the central market to some leaders who gave false information to traders in 2021, saying that the market was to be worked upon, causing some traders to migrate, fearing that their businesses would be affected.
Speaking to Jacob Kafureeka Jack Jex, who has been the mayor of Ntungamo Municipality since 2011, acknowledged that as a municipality they can’t afford the construction of the central market because it’s costly compared to their budgets and revenue collected.
Jacob Kafureeka, however, revealed that they wrote letters and a construction plan for the Central Market, and they were submitted to the Ministry of Local Government. They were promised that in this financial year of 2026/2027 it would be addressed. He urges the public to be patient and wait since their leaders are also not seated.
Ntungamo Central Market is operated by over 100 people selling perishable goods such as tomatoes, onions, yellow bananas, meat, and cereal crops among others, who operate daily to earn a living for their families, households, and support the basic needs of their children.
It is also revealed that every Mudara pays Ugx 30,000 per month, amounting to Ugx 360,000 annually as the local revenue collection from the central market in Ntungamo Municipality.
