It is nearly three months since the government launched a nationwide crackdown on illegal structures, a move that displaced many vendors across the country.
In Kayunga District, however, the affected traders are now set to benefit from the exercise following the construction of a four-storey market stall building in Kayunga Town.
The first phase of the project, which comprises the ground floor, is expected to be commissioned in August and will accommodate vendors who were displaced during the enforcement exercise.
What initially appeared to be a setback for many traders has now turned into an opportunity after Ntenjeru North Member of Parliament and State Minister for Finance, Amos Lugoloobi, successfully lobbied for Shs1.5 billion to finance the market project.
According to Wazibaz Construction Company, the contractor handling the works, the ground floor alone is costing approximately Shs500 million and has been prioritised to ensure vendors resume business as soon as possible.
On Wednesday, the Kayunga District Monitoring Team led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner John Magezi inspected the project to assess its progress. Magezi commended the contractor for the quality and pace of work.
“We are impressed by the progress made so far. This project is going to provide a lasting solution for vendors who were affected by the government’s enforcement exercise. We thank the contractor for the good work and urge them to maintain the same standards until completion,” Magezi said.
The contractor said construction works are about 70 percent complete and expressed confidence that the ground floor will be handed over to authorities in August for occupation.
The development has renewed hope among vendors who have been struggling without proper trading spaces, with many saying the situation has affected their ability to pay school fees, provide food for their families and meet other basic needs.
Residents and local leaders who accompanied the monitoring team applauded Minister Lugoloobi for championing the project.
“This market will help many families recover economically. Vendors will have a secure and organised place to work from and improve their livelihoods,” one resident said.
Kayunga Town Clerk Farida Kulabako confirmed that once the ground floor is completed, priority will be given to vendors displaced during the enforcement exercise before allocation of remaining spaces.
“The vendors who were affected during the enforcement exercise will be given first priority. Our goal is to ensure an organised trading environment that benefits both traders and customers,” Kulabako said.
Upon completion, the market is expected to transform business operations in Kayunga Town by providing a cleaner, safer and more organised trading environment while boosting household incomes and local economic activity.
