Vendors operating in Wakiso Daily Market have expressed relief after stakeholders inspected and approved a temporary relocation site that will accommodate traders during the reconstruction of the market under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP).
The reconstruction project had faced delays due to the lack of suitable land where vendors could be temporarily relocated while construction works were underway. However, district leaders, town council officials, contractors, and market representatives have now identified and secured nearly one acre of land near the market, adjacent to Centenary Bank, paving the way for the project to commence.
During an inspection of the site, stakeholders welcomed the development, describing the land as suitable for accommodating vendors during the construction period.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Wakiso District Traders Association Chairperson Vincent Kasozi thanked the government and local leaders for finding a solution to the relocation challenge.
“We are grateful that a suitable place has finally been secured for the vendors. This gives us confidence that the market reconstruction project can now begin,” Kasozi said.
He emphasized the importance of transparency throughout the relocation and construction process.
“Transparency is very important in all the next steps of this project. We also commend President Yoweri Museveni for supporting this life-changing initiative that will improve the working conditions of traders,” he added.
District Environment Officer Esau Mpoza urged the contractor to ensure environmental protection measures are observed during the project implementation.
“We expect the contractor to protect the environment and preserve the trees found on the site as much as possible during the construction process,” Mpoza said.
Wakiso Town Council Mayor Fredson Kasiwukira Mukalazi said local leaders had fulfilled their responsibility by identifying the relocation land and engaging traders to support the project.
“As leaders, we have done our part by securing the land and calming the concerns of traders. The ball is now in the hands of the contractors and implementing partners to ensure the project starts and progresses as planned,” Mukalazi said.
The reconstruction of Wakiso Daily Market is expected to improve trading conditions, boost local economic activity, and provide modern facilities for hundreds of vendors who depend on the market for their livelihoods.
