President commissions Masaka market

President Museveni shares a light moment with market vendors in Nyendo Market in Masaka shortly after commissioning the market on December 2, 2016. Photos/ PPU

President Yoweri Museveni has commissioned the Shs.11 billion Nyendo Market in the suburbs of Masaka Municipality, in Masaka district.

The market that was funded by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), will employee over 2,500 people.

 President Museveni commissions Nyendo Market in Masaka as Hon. Tom Butime and area MPs look on

 
The President told residents of the area that initially the government had put more emphasis on roads, electricity and schools and not markets because the NRM government believes in and cherishes priorities.

"In NRM, nothing can fail. We make priorities. Those who tell you that we have forgotten you are lairs and should not stampede us," he said.

Museveni assured the people that more industries will be built in Masaka district in the near future.

He observed that "the market will bring more employment opportunities but we are also going to put an Industrial centre in Bukakata for the Chinese to make glass and other fruit processing factories."

President Museveni commissions Nyendo Market in Masaka district

 
Turning to the issue of Masaka Cooperative Union members, President Museveni disclosed that he had already raised the issue of the Union's revival and payment of its former members with those concerned in Masaka district, including Masaka diocesan Bishop Rt. Rev. John Baptist Kaggwa and former legislator from Masaka, Mr. John Kawanga.

The President pledged sh30m to the Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations of Nyendo Market and Masaka Central Market.

He also informed the people of the area that government will improve the road network in and around Masaka district.

"We are going to tarmac the Bukakata - Nyendo road and rehabilitate Kyotera road," he said.

President Museveni waves to market vendors and people of Nyendo (not in picture) shortly after commissioning Nyendo Market in Masaka.

 
The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Tom Butime, said his Ministry is committed to creating wealth and eradicating poverty in Uganda.

"Construction of markets is one way of providing employment so that people can improve their way of life," he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Masaka Municipality MP, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga cautioned the leaders of Nyendo market against politicizing the operations of the facility so that everyone is allowed to operate there regardless of their party affiliation.

President Museveni during a guided tour of Nyendo Market in Masaka shortly after commissioning

 
Masaka Market Vendors Chairperson, Mr. Ssendago John, commended the Movement Government for enabling the construction of the Nyendo Market. "We have been working in a poor environment but we have now got a better structure," he observed.

The Mayor of Masaka Municipality, Mr. Godfrey Kayemba, reported that the market is set to employ 2500 people compared to a combined total of 600 employees in all the factories in Masaka district.

President Museveni inspects part of Nyendo Market in Masaka shortly after commissioning it