MUGABE R
Traders and residents near Rwemburara Open Market in Kibirizi Parish, Buhunga Sub County, Rukungiri District, have voiced their dissatisfaction with Sub County authorities over delays in implementing lock-ups and poor market management.
The market, which operates on the first Saturday of every month, attracts traders dealing in clothes, foodstuffs, and livestock. However, the lack of proper shelter exposes both traders and customers to harsh weather conditions, such as rain and intense sunshine.
Although the sub-county authorities constructed a toilet, dustbin, vegetable shed, and slaughter slab, the lock-ups remain insufficient and in a dilapidated state. Early last year, the Sub County Council resolved to rent lock-up spaces to interested individuals for construction, but this plan has yet to be implemented.
Josephati Tukashaba, Chairperson of the Rwemburara Butchers and a tenant responsible for livestock grazing land, raised concerns about the lack of shelter following the collapse of the previous structures. He also highlighted the neglect of market cleanup, which has led to the contamination of nearby farmland with polythene waste.
Dan Kasiime, the host chairperson of LC1 Mabunu Cell, echoed the need for shelter and criticized the high rent charges for lock-up spaces, which deter potential tenants. He also condemned the neglect of garbage management after market days and raised concerns about the shift of the livestock market to Mitooma District to avoid quarantine restrictions.
Evalyn Udaya, the Kibirizi Parish Woman Councilor, emphasized that the market should be prioritized as it is a major revenue source. She criticized the contractor for mismanaging funds allocated for garbage collection and noted that plans for the market’s improvement are set for early 2025.
Benon Mugisha Auntie, Chairperson of LC3 Buhunga Sub County, called for calm and assured the community that Sub County authorities had recently conducted a site survey. He revealed that the implementation process is ongoing and the market upgrades are expected to be launched soon.
