MASAKA CENTRAL MARKET BOOSTS REGIONAL COMMERCE, TRADERS CREDIT MUSEVENI’S VISION

The recently inaugurated Masaka Central Market has emerged as a significant economic hub for the region, accommodating over 2,000 traders under the stewardship of the Market Master who is a Government employee established by the Market Act. Since its official operationalization, the market has dramatically improved the local business environment. This project, funded entirely by the Ugandan Government, is widely credited by the local business community as a key achievement under President Museveni’s administration.

For the last two decades, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government has prioritized Masaka City by modernizing key infrastructure in the City including roads and modern markets. The multi-billion shilling market complex officially opened in May 2023, following provisional support and funding from the Government of Uganda and the African Development Bank (ADB) at a cost of UgShs18,054,590,325 billions. Masaka Central market has has positioned Masaka City as a regional agribusiness hub.

Ms. Betty Nakayiza, the Masaka Central Market chairperson, known locally as “Muwala wa Museveni” (Maama Base), stated that the new facility provides ample, legal space for the business community to trade their goods and earn a living.

“I want to thank President Museveni for the good work done to modernize our market,” Ms. Nakayiza said. “As traders, we are appreciative to the Government for saving us from the poor working conditions of the previous market. I am personally grateful to the ruling Government for the prosperity in Masaka City. We shall vote for the President.”

Ms. Nakayiza highlighted that the market now hosts diverse businesses, including dedicated wings for fishmongers on the second floor, a move she advocated for strenuously to ensure specialized space for their products.

However, she noted an outstanding challenge: “The challenge we have is little access to clean water and the tanks we have, most of them are not used, and we want our leaders to take action on it.”

Hajji Zziwa Abaasi, a senior advisor to the market committee and former Market Master who served from 1984 until his retirement in 1994, praised the initiative for helping the community access services and trade commodities with ease.

“The market is very appealing and accommodating thousands of people, and today the population of traders has increased,” said Mr. Zziwa, adding that the facility now serves as an agricultural center, cultural hub, and clothes market.

Traders are actively occupying the space. On a tranquil Thursday, foodstuff retailers and sellers of clothes, fruits, and cultural items lined their stalls, patiently awaiting clients.

Ms. Nabakooza, a fruit trader, echoed the sentiment of success linked to the NRM initiative. “I want to thank President Museveni for the introduction of Masaka Central Market… it has helped me to make money and I owe my success as a fruit seller to President Museveni,” she stated.

The market’s modernization was implemented under the Municipal Infrastructure Development (MATIP) program, aiming to formalize trade and increase the earning potential of local entrepreneurs.