WAKISO — Construction of the Shs16.7 billion Kawuku Market has officially commenced following the handover of the site by the State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye, under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP).
Speaking during the site handover ceremony, Kyofatogabye urged traders and local leaders to focus on development and wealth creation rather than political distractions.
“We must prioritize social and individual development. Political excitement alone cannot improve people's livelihoods if they have no income,” he said.
The minister called on traders to embrace value addition, maintain cleanliness in markets and adopt proper packaging standards to improve the competitiveness of their products.
He also urged shop owners operating along roadside areas to pave spaces in front of their premises as government continues upgrading road infrastructure in the district.
“As roads are improved, we should all play our part in preventing dust from affecting businesses and the environment,” Kyofatogabye said.
The minister revealed that the GKMA-UDP programme is valued at approximately Shs2.2 trillion, with Wakiso District expected to benefit from projects worth nearly Shs800 billion.
Wakiso Chief Administrative Officer Jude Mark Bukenya said government workers are committed to ensuring successful implementation of the project.
“This market belongs to the people, and we shall ensure it serves its intended purpose. Any government worker who attempts to encroach on this facility will be dealt with firmly,” he warned.
Wakiso District Chairperson Engineer Ian Kyeyune described the market as part of a broader strategy to improve social welfare, transport infrastructure, trade, commerce and employment opportunities within the district.
He encouraged local recruitment during construction and urged residents to register with the district labour office to benefit from job opportunities.
District Engineer Lillian Namutebi Jagwe outlined the planned features of the market, saying it will include lock-up shops, restaurants, storage facilities, security offices, administrative offices, a daycare centre, a mini-bank, freezer rooms, sanitation facilities, loading and offloading bays, parking space, a waste collection centre, solar power installations and a value-addition centre.
“The market will be properly zoned to improve organisation, efficiency and service delivery while providing a safe and modern environment for both traders and consumers,” she said.
Construction firm representative Sylvia Mabonga, speaking on behalf of Scaffold Engineering and Construction Limited Managing Director Dinesh Patel, said the company is committed to delivering the project within agreed specifications and timelines.
“We are committed to working closely with consultants, district authorities and the local community to ensure the successful completion of this project,” she said.
Traders welcomed the development, expressing optimism that the facility will be completed on schedule and improve trading conditions and household incomes.
The Kawuku Market project is among several infrastructure investments under the GKMA-UDP programme aimed at modernising urban centres, expanding economic opportunities and improving service delivery across Greater Kampala.
The market, which will be constructed by Scaffold Engineering and Construction Limited and supervised by UB Consulting Engineers, is expected to be completed within 12 months and will accommodate hundreds of vendors upon completion.