More than 1,000 roadside vendors are in pursuit of 150 million Shillings to establish a permanent market. Ten years ago, these vendors cleared bushes in Kasaala village, Luweero sub-county, along the Kampala-Gulu highway, and put up temporary shelters, creating what is now known as the Balikyejjusa roadside market. Over the years, the number of vendors at this market has grown from 30 to an impressive 1,000.
Yosea Mubiru, the Chairperson of Balikyejjusa roadside market, has pointed out that the temporary structures that have served them for the last decade are now in a state of disrepair and on the brink of collapse. Additionally, the market is grappling with a shortage of space due to the increasing number of vendors. Consequently, they have initiated a campaign to raise over 150 million Shillings to construct permanent stalls, offices, storage spaces, and adequate parking facilities, among other essential amenities.
In the initial phase of the project, approximately 78 million Shillings will be allocated for the construction of the new market. Justine Nansamba, a vendor, has voiced concerns about the potential risks they face while trying to sell to passing travelers. Nansamba envisions that, with the completion of the market, travelers will have a safe and convenient place to park and purchase fresh produce from dedicated stalls.
Other vendors have complained of enduring harsh weather conditions, such as scorching sun and rain, as they lack sufficient space to operate from stalls. Notably, last Sunday, vendors were able to raise more than 20 million Shillings through fundraising efforts to kickstart the construction.
Ronald Ndawula, the National Resistance Movement Party Chairman for Luweero district, acknowledged the importance of this market in providing employment to many people. He expressed regret that local leaders have done little to assist these struggling vendors in acquiring better facilities. As a sign of support, Ndawula has pledged to donate building materials, including 30 iron bars, 50 bags of cement, and 180 iron sheets, to help the vendors realize their market construction project.
Brenda Nabukenya, the Luweero District Woman Member of Parliament, has highlighted the absence of a central government-constructed market in Luweero. This has left traders operating in substandard conditions, relying on makeshift structures. Additionally, she lamented the losses incurred by farmers due to the absence of juice processing plants that could add value to their produce. Luweero district boasts an abundance of fruits that are primarily sold on roadsides along the highway due to the lack of a fruit processing plant.
As far back as February 2008, pineapple farmers in Luweero, under the Natural Uganda Cooperative Society Limited, petitioned President Museveni, requesting the establishment of a processing plant to enhance the value of their organic pineapples. Responding to their appeal, President Museveni directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry to allocate one billion Shillings to the project. In February 2009, the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, released 115 million Shillings for the initial phase. This money was used to acquire a five-acre piece of land for the plant in Luweero town council, but regrettably, the ministry has since failed to provide further funding to advance the project.
