The vendors also cited poor sanitation and overflowing garbage as challenges but said the lack of electricity in key sections of the market has become their most pressing concern.
According to the traders, business activities proceed normally during the day, but conditions deteriorate at night when sections of the market are plunged into darkness.
“During the daytime, everything is manageable even without power. But once darkness falls and most traders have left, those of us who remain behind to sell food and porridge face serious challenges,” one vendor said.
The traders noted that although electricity cables are visible throughout the market, many areas remain without power, forcing them to rely on solar lamps to continue working after sunset.
“We have to buy solar lamps and charge them during the day. If you forget to place your lamp in the sun, then you simply cannot work at night because customers will not buy from a stall that is in darkness,” another trader explained.
However, the vendors said solar lamps are not a sustainable alternative because their batteries often weaken before business closes.
“These lamps cannot replace electricity. They may work until around 10:30 p.m., but when customer numbers increase, the batteries begin to weaken and the light becomes dim. The darkness affects our businesses, and even our food and porridge remain unsold. We appeal for a permanent electricity solution,” the trader added.
The vendors further claimed that criminals have taken advantage of the darkness to target traders, particularly women working late into the night.
“Thieves know that many of us women work at night. When we are taking items to our stores, they ambush us in the darkness and sometimes snatch our handbags containing money and other valuables,” one vendor said.
The lack of lighting has also raised concerns about safety around the market's public toilets.
“Whenever we need to use the toilets at night, we have to move in groups because it is unsafe to go alone. Some youths take advantage of the darkness and hide around these areas. We urgently need lighting in the market,” the traders said.
Responding to the concerns, Mpigi Town Council Deputy Mayor Hassan Wasswa Mujuzi acknowledged the problem and said efforts were underway to restore electricity to the affected sections of the market.
“The electricity system has been experiencing technical challenges, but we are working to secure a technician who will inspect the entire wiring network and ensure power is restored. We are aware of the traders’ concerns and are also planning to install additional security lights in the market to eliminate dark spots,” Mujuzi said.
The vendors expressed hope that authorities will move quickly to address the problem, saying reliable lighting is critical for business operations, security and the safety of traders who work during evening hours.