Kampala Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Jane Muhindo Asiimwe, has proposed a shift-based trading system for carrot traders in Nakasero Market to address losses caused by competition with Kenyan farmers.
Speaking after a meeting with the traders in Kampala, Muhindo noted that Ugandan traders, who import carrots from Kenya, face challenges due to price cuts when Kenyan farmers bring the same product into Uganda for sale.
This competition has reportedly led to significant financial losses for local traders.
“To address this, the traders want to work in shifts. One group will work on one day, and another group on the next, to avoid direct competition with Kenyan farmers,” Muhindo explained.
She added that the proposed system, if implemented transparently, would allow for better collaboration between traders and authorities.
"We have agreed that as long as they follow the shifts and remain transparent, we will find ways to support them so that no trader incurs losses," Muhindo said.
The RCC emphasised the importance of protecting Uganda's agricultural sector by prioritising locally grown carrots.
“There is no reason for Ugandan traders to import carrots and compete with Kenyan farmers selling the same product in Uganda. We need to give our local farmers the chance to sell their carrots and earn money,” she stated.
Muhindo also highlighted the Parish Development Model (PDM), which has provided financial support to some Ugandan farmers, as a way to boost local agricultural production and reduce dependency on imports.
The move is expected to mitigate losses for traders, promote local produce, and enhance economic opportunities for Ugandan farmers.