The Export Zone Mpondwe Lhubiriha Market, located at the Uganda-DRC border in Kasese district, has been temporarily closed.
This market happens every Tuesday and Friday and is attended by people from Kasese, nearby areas, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, Stanley Pandasi, the Vendors Chairperson, revealed that security personnel asked them to leave the market premises on Monday.
Lt. Maate Magwara, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner in charge of Bukonzo County, explained that they decided to close the market due to security concerns related to potential threats. Magwara did not provide specific details but mentioned that they were currently conducting a thorough inspection of the entire facility before allowing business to resume.
Moses Mugisa, the Town Clerk of Mpondwe Lhubiriha, stated that they had identified Kamasasa Playground, which is approximately 7 kilometers away, as a temporary location for the market. He added that they were collaborating with security forces to ensure adequate surveillance.
However, rain on Tuesday disrupted business operations at the new site, prompting many vendors to seek shelter on the verandas of nearby houses.