Africa-Press – Uganda. Constructed at a cost of Shs13.7 billion with African Development Bank funding through the Markets and Agriculture Trade Improvement Project, Hoima Central Market boasts three storeys, though only the ground floor is fully occupied.
Vendors at Hoima Central Market are expressing frustration over the low customer turnout for upper stalls, attributing it to customers’ reluctance to climb stairs.
As a result, many have abandoned their upper-level stalls despite paying rent and taxes, saying the lack of foot traffic has impacted their businesses.
Constructed at a cost of Shs13.7 billion with African Development Bank funding through the Markets and Agriculture Trade Improvement Project, Hoima Central Market boasts three storeys, though only the ground floor is fully occupied.
Vendors on the upper floors report struggling to attract customers, with some moving their operations outside the market entirely.
Joseph Karyegira, a vendor, explained, “We’re here daily, yet hardly anyone comes to the upper floors. People say it’s too much trouble to go upstairs, so some of us are considering setting up outside.”
The vendors question why they are still required to pay rent and taxes when unregulated trade on the streets draws customers away.
“Council officials demand rent and taxes, yet they let people trade outside the market. If businesses are outside, why would customers come in here?” wondered Jane Abitekaniza, a general produce seller.
Ausi Balyesima, a Hoima resident, criticized the government for neglecting local input in development projects.
“Instead of constructing upper stalls, they could have invested in smaller markets in other neighborhoods, like Kinubi or Duhaga roundabout. Now, these spaces are just empty,” Balyesima remarked.
In response, Idi Magezi, Hoima City Secretary for Production, said they are working to restore trade order in the market but are hindered by a shortage of enforcement officers.
“The entire city only has two enforcement officers, but we are recruiting more to address these issues,” Magezi said.
Moses Muyambi, the Resident City Commissioner for Hoima City East, proposed repurposing the upper stalls for offices and reserving lower floors for vendors to improve customer convenience.
“Offices can use the upper levels, while vendors remain below where customers prefer to shop. We’re discussing how to implement this,” Muyambi suggested.
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