In a decisive move to empower local traders, Uganda's State Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has directed that tenderers be removed from matooke markets in Sheema District and that traders be granted the tenders to manage the markets themselves. The minister issued the directive during his 'Expose the Corrupt' anti-corruption crusade and monitoring visit to Sheema District on Saturday, November 6.
Traders Exploited for Years
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. 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.
The minister directed Sheema Municipality Mayor Lukia Nakalisa not to renew the current tender when it expires at the end of this financial year. He advised the traders to organize 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.
Draconian Conditions and High Costs
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 recognized elected market leadership. During the visit, he asked them to nominate candidates they considered suitable to lead them, followed by an election.
Kabwohe Market: 20 Years Without Development
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. The traders expressed hope that the minister's directive would bring change and improve their livelihoods.
This move is seen as part of the government's efforts to fight corruption and empower local communities. By giving traders the opportunity to manage their own markets, the minister aims to ensure that the benefits of the markets are shared among many rather than a few individuals.
Local leaders have welcomed the directive, saying it will promote transparency and accountability in the management of markets. They also urged the traders to form strong SACCOs to effectively manage the markets and improve their businesses.
The directive is expected to be implemented in other markets across the country as part of the anti-corruption crusade. Traders in Sheema District have praised the minister for listening to their concerns and taking action to address them.
