IGANGA, Uganda – Iganga Central Market is facing a multitude of challenges, including congestion, high prices of essential commodities, poor sanitation, and filthy public toilets.

The market, which was constructed in 1990 for 60 people, now accommodates over 300 vendors, leading to congestion and affecting business. The price of tomatoes has skyrocketed to 3000sh per kilogram, up from 1500sh, due to sunshine affecting the season and high transportation costs.

But what’s further exacerbating the situation is the lack of garbage collection in the market. The market does not have a functional garbage collection system, and the homeland people responsible for collecting garbage have not shown up for three months.

Mr. Tanaziraba Elvis, The Iganga Central Market Chairperson

“This has led to a buildup of trash and filth in the market, causing poor sanitation and unhealthy conditions for vendors and customers alike,” one of vendors who preferred anonymity told this publication.

To make matters worse, the public toilets in the market are in a deplorable state. They are filthy, broken, and breeding grounds for disease. Many vendors and customers have fallen ill due to the poor sanitation, including contracting Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

The situation is not only affecting the market’s cleanliness but also the health of those who work and shop there. Vendors are calling on the Iganga Municipal Council to take action and provide a functional garbage collection system, clean and functional toilets, and a more organized market environment.

As the vendors continue to struggle, they are holding onto hope that their cries for help will be heard. They are calling on the government to intervene and provide support to help them overcome these challenges.

“We are not giving up,” said Tanazilaba Elvis, The Iganga Central market Chairperson. “We will continue to fight for a better market, a better business environment, and a better life for ourselves and our families.”

One of the vendors in Iganga Central Market

And so, the vendors of Iganga Central Market remain resilient, determined to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way. They will continue to work hard, to advocate for themselves, and to hold onto hope for a brighter future.

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Elizabeth Koshaba Nabuma

Lizzy as known at Scribe, is a professional passionate Journalist. Very jolly but serious when it comes to handling information. She can create change. She has created change. She will create change. Have we said all about her?

Email: e.koshaba@scribe.co.ug

Business

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI URGES EUROPEAN INVESTORS TO TAP INTO UGANDA’S ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged European investors to take advantage of Uganda’s economic opportunities, particularly in infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and agriculture, saying investment in productive sectors is key to expanding markets, creating jobs and accelerating economic transformation. The President made the remarks today at State House Entebbe during a meeting with European Union Ambassadors and investors, where he highlighted Africa’s growing population and expanding market as a major opportunity for European businesses seeking investment and stronger economic partnerships. “This is what we have been advising our European friends to look at, because Africa is a big potential market with its fast-growing population,” he said. President Museveni attributed political instability in some African countries partly to identity-based politics, including tribalism, religious divisions and ideological misunderstandings, as well as a failure to appreciate the role of the private sector in driving economic growth. He said Uganda had learnt from these challenges and emphasised the need for a stable political and economic environment that enables private businesses to invest, expand production and create employment. The President welcomed ongoing and proposed European investments in Uganda, particularly in infrastructure and other productive sectors, saying such projects would strengthen economic links between Uganda and the European market. “All these projects are music to my ears. By constructing these projects here, you are linking the market of Uganda to that of Europe. Why can’t anyone see that?” he asked. On energy, President Museveni said the cost of electricity remained a critical factor in Uganda’s competitiveness, particularly for manufacturers seeking to produce goods at affordable prices. While welcoming private-sector investment in hydropower generation, he called for greater attention to electricity tariffs, arguing that affordable power was essential for industrial expansion and economic growth. He identified affordable electricity, railway transport and accessible financing for productive investments as key priorities for strengthening Uganda’s manufacturing sector. The President cited the Uganda Development Bank as an important source of financing for businesses engaged in productive activities, explaining that the government had retained the institution to support investments capable of expanding production and creating jobs. He also urged the European Investment Bank to channel more financing into strategic infrastructure, particularly railway development, electricity generation and distribution, and selected road projects. On road infrastructure, President Museveni encouraged European investors to explore opportunities in construction and financing models, including tolling arrangements where appropriate. The President also reaffirmed the government’s support for tax incentives aimed at attracting investment, particularly in manufacturing, and emphasised the importance of enabling eligible businesses to benefit from a 10-year tax holiday. ...

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