Kabale market vendors demand business zoning to boost trade

Fresh food vendors operating within Kabale Central Market are urging Kabale Municipal authorities to implement a distinct business zoning policy. They contend that the current lack of clear zoning fosters unfair competition, significantly impacting their ability to attract customers and sustain their livelihoods.

Traders like Norbert Tweheyo, Adams Asiimwe, and Grace Kyomuhendo, who operate from the central market, highlighted in interviews that numerous shops and roadside businesses across Kabale Municipality sell identical fresh food items. This widespread availability makes it difficult for market vendors to draw customers to the designated market space, leading to a noticeable decline in sales.

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The central market was established to provide a designated trading space for fresh food vendors. The continued operation of similar businesses in other parts of town has undermined its purpose

"The central market was established to provide a designated trading space for fresh food vendors," the traders stated. "The continued operation of similar businesses in other parts of town has undermined its purpose." They are calling for the Kabale Municipal Council to develop and enforce a comprehensive zoning plan that consolidates similar businesses into specific areas. Such a plan, they believe, would enhance order within the municipality, alleviate congestion, simplify navigation for customers, and promote equitable competition.

Erick Sunday, Deputy Town Clerk for Kabale Municipality, acknowledged the vendors' grievances. He confirmed that the authorities are actively discussing the need for business organization with operators. "The municipality is sensitising traders on the importance of complying with existing business guidelines and operating from designated areas," Sunday said. He added that the council aims to foster a more organized business environment beneficial to both traders and consumers. Effective zoning, he explained, would improve customer accessibility, encourage healthy competition, and ensure compliance with municipal regulations. Sunday encouraged traders to collaborate with authorities during the ongoing consultations, emphasizing that the success of the zoning initiative hinges on their willingness to adhere to established guidelines.

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The municipality is sensitising traders on the importance of complying with existing business guidelines and operating from designated areas. The council's objective is to create a more organised business environment that benefits both traders and customers