A new multibillion market, constructed under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) in Kiraba Parish, Ukusijoni Sub-county, Adjumani District, is providing hope to farmers, including refugees, in the region. The market, located in a strategic position, has the potential to become a regional market, according to Mr. James Lowgenya, the Dzaipi Sub-county agriculture officer.
Mr. Lowgenya urged farmers to seize the opportunity presented by the Ukusijoni market to empower themselves economically. He emphasized the need for farmers to bypass middlemen, who often exploit them, by directly accessing this new market.
“Most times, farmers are cheated by the middlemen who end up getting a lot of profits. This is the time for farmers to take advantage of this market so that they avoid the middlemen,” he emphasized.
Farmers in Adjumani predominantly grow crops such as maize, simsim, rice, and soya beans, but they have faced challenges in finding markets for their produce. The new market aims to address this issue, providing farmers with a secure and organized space to sell their goods.
Prior to the construction of the market, traders struggled under dilapidated structures and sought shelter under trees. During rainy seasons, market activities were disrupted, leading to losses. The lack of secure places to keep goods also resulted in theft. The completion of the Ukusijoni market is expected to alleviate these challenges.
Mr. Mansur Alumai, a farmer in Bekeri Village, Ayiri Parish in Ukusijoni Sub-county, expressed optimism about the market’s impact on his cassava and rice business. He highlighted the importance of having storage facilities for their produce, and the new market provides such amenities. Mr. Alumai expects better prices and increased sales with the improved market infrastructure.
Ukusijoni Sub-county chairperson, Mr. Dominic Arambe, emphasized the significance of the market, noting that it is the only sub-county benefiting from a market project under the USMID program. He anticipates that the market will attract farmers and produce dealers from the entire West Nile and Acholi sub-regions, becoming a pivotal link to Juba due to its strategic location.
Funded by the World Bank at a cost of Shs2.6 billion, the Ukusijoni market is designed to accommodate more than 1,000 traders. The project is expected to be completed next month, marking a positive step towards enhancing economic opportunities for farmers in the Adjumani District.
