Relief for Wakiso Market Vendors As Temporary Relocation Site Is Secured Ahead of Reconstruction

Traders at Wakiso Daily Market in Uganda are breathing a sigh of relief following the identification and approval of a temporary relocation site. This move paves the way for the long-awaited reconstruction of the market under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP).

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We are grateful that a suitable place has finally been secured for the vendors. This gives us confidence that the market reconstruction project can now begin.

The project had been stalled for some time due to the absence of a suitable location to temporarily house the vendors while construction was underway. However, district leaders, town council officials, contractors, and representatives from the market community have now secured nearly an acre of land adjacent to Centenary Bank, close to the original market site.

Stakeholders inspected the new site and deemed it appropriate for accommodating the traders during the construction phase. Vincent Kasozi, Chairperson of the Wakiso District Traders Association, conveyed the vendors' gratitude to the government and local leaders for resolving the relocation challenge. "We are grateful that a suitable place has finally been secured for the vendors. This gives us confidence that the market reconstruction project can now begin," Kasozi stated.

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Transparency is very important in all the next steps of this project. We also commend President Yoweri Museveni for supporting this life-changing initiative that will improve the working conditions of traders.

Kasozi also stressed the importance of transparency throughout the relocation and reconstruction process. District Environment Officer Esau Mpoza urged the contractor to implement environmental protection measures and preserve existing trees on the site. Wakiso Town Council Mayor Fredson Kasiwukira Mukalazi affirmed that local leaders had fulfilled their role in securing the land and engaging traders, expressing confidence that the project would now proceed as planned.

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We expect the contractor to protect the environment and preserve the trees found on the site as much as possible during the construction process.

The reconstruction of Wakiso Daily Market is anticipated to significantly improve trading conditions, stimulate local economic activity, and provide modern facilities for the hundreds of vendors who rely on the market for their livelihoods.

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As leaders, we have done our part by securing the land and calming the concerns of traders. The ball is now in the hands of the contractors and implementing partners to ensure the project starts and progresses as planned.