In a move aimed at empowering local traders, Uganda's Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara has directed that tenderers be removed from matooke markets in Sheema district and that traders be given the tenders to manage the markets themselves.
The minister made the directive during his 'Expose the Corrupt' anti-corruption crusade and monitoring visit to Sheema district on Saturday. His first stop was Itendero Market, where matooke traders complained about being relocated by the council from Itendero town to Nyabuhama, on the outskirts of Itendero.
Minister Barugahara said tenderers had exploited traders for years by collecting millions of shillings from the markets while remitting very little to local councils and providing no services or development in return. He directed Sheema Municipality Mayor Lukia Nakalisa not to renew the current tender when it expires at the end of this financial year. Instead, he said the traders should organise themselves into a SACCO and be given the tender to manage the market.
"You will be paying sh15 million of what you collect monthly to the council and the rest of the money you use to develop yourselves. This is better, as the money will be benefiting many instead of the three members of the group that currently has the tender to manage the market," he said.
The traders accused the current tenderer of imposing draconian conditions, including providing their own trucks as the only vehicles allowed to transport matooke from the market to Kampala, at a high cost. Adrine Atuhiirwe, a trader at the market, said traders in other markets paid sh2,000 to transport each bunch of matooke to Kampala, while the tenderers at Itendero charged sh3,000 per bunch, which she described as expensive.
"They often leave our matooke in the market yard and refuse to transport it, claiming it is little food, yet they don't allow other trucks to come in and support us," she said.
The traders also told the minister that they had no recognised elected market leadership. During the visit, he asked them to nominate candidates they considered suitable to lead them, followed by an election.
The minister later visited Kabwohe Matooke Market, where traders complained that the current tenderer had operated the market for 20 years without providing adequate services or development.
Background
The directive is part of a broader effort by the government to fight corruption and improve service delivery in local markets. Matooke is a staple food in Uganda, and its trade is a significant source of income for many small-scale farmers and traders. However, the management of these markets has often been marred by allegations of exploitation and mismanagement.
Minister Barugahara's visit to Sheema is one of several stops in his anti-corruption crusade, which aims to expose and address corrupt practices in various sectors. The minister's decision to hand over the management of the markets to traders is seen as a step towards ensuring that the benefits of the trade are more evenly distributed.
Local leaders have welcomed the move, saying it will empower traders and improve their livelihoods. However, some have expressed concerns about the capacity of the traders to manage the markets effectively. The minister, however, expressed confidence in the traders' ability to run the markets, saying they have the necessary experience and knowledge.
The traders, for their part, have welcomed the directive and promised to work together to ensure the success of the new arrangement. They also called on the government to provide support in terms of training and infrastructure development.
The minister's visit also included an inspection of other markets and meetings with local leaders and traders. He reiterated the government's commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring that public resources are used for the benefit of all.
As the news of the directive spreads, other districts are likely to follow suit, with traders in other areas calling for similar arrangements. The government has said it will monitor the implementation of the directive to ensure its success.
