The people of Sebei sub-region in the eastern part of Uganda have recognized Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and the presidential advisor on special operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for their support towards the establishment of the local market in the area. 

Kaserem, the weekly market in Tingey County, Kapchorwa district that has for long operated along the Muyembe – Kapchorwa highway, is said to pose various risks to the vendors and their buyers, including the road users.

“Our mothers, daughters and entire community have been selling their products in the middle of the ever busy highway exposing themselves to huge dangers including being run over by speeding vehicles,” Fadil Twalla, the area Member of Parliament, said. 

MP Fadil Twalla invited Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Gen. Muhoozi, Ministers and fellow MPs to the Kaserem market fundraising event. (Photo By Javier Silas Omagor)

According to Twalla, the ideal intervention preferred by the community was the identification and purchase of suitable land for the alternative market which his office acknowledged.  

Twalla revealed that he approached both Premier Nabbanja and Muhoozi to join the locals in a resource mobilization drive.  

“Without hesitation, they both obliged given their love for the people and desire of seeing economically empowered communities,” Twalla said on Wednesday.

With Nabbanja and Muhoozi’s contribution of sh50m, the community bought the land for the weekly market. The duo’s generous gesture was announced by the 3rd. Deputy Prime Minister, Rukia Nakadama.

3rd Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama being welcomed by Tingye County MP Fadil Twalla, Kapchorwa Woman MP Phyllis Chemutai and DPC Abigaba. (Photo By Javier Silas Omagor)

“Both the Prime Minister and Gen. Muhoozi want the best for the business community, and I am also contributing sh10m towards the same cause”, said Nakadama, attracting a deafening joyous reaction from the crowd on Wednesday.

Sande Chemonges 41, one of the residents who spoke to New Vision, lauded the two leaders for spearheading a recent fundraising event at Kaserem Primary School which raised about sh150m poised for the same cause.  

“We, the people of Kaserem, Kapchorwa district and the entire Sebei sub-region are thrilled and humbled by both Nabbanja and Muhoozi’s contribution towards the establishment of our local market, Chemonges said.

Beneficiaries speaks out

Issa Kamonges, the market chairperson, said that farmers and small-scale producers often face challenges in reaching broader markets.

“A local weekly market that is being established will serve as a platform for them to “access a larger customer base, potentially increasing sales and profitability”. 

Kaserem weekly market has been for years operating along the Muyembe-Kapchorwa highway but will now relocate to its new convenient home. (Photo By Javier Silas Omagor)

Scovia Chemutai, a market vendor, was optimistic that this market provides a platform for local artisans, farmers, and small-scale entrepreneurs to sell their products directly to consumers.  

“This (market) can significantly boost our income, as they can avoid intermediaries and earn a higher margin on our goods,” Chemutai noted. 

According to Raymond Kadoli, a resident, running and organizing a weekly market “requires various services, such as setting up stalls, security, cleaning, and management.” 

“This can create job opportunities for people in the community, including temporary or part-time employment,” Kadoli observed. 

Phyllis Chemutai, Kapchorwa district Woman MP, believes the Kaserem Market will anchor Sebei's ability to become a food basket of the country with easier access to the market for the farmers.

"This will be one of its kind in the entire Sebei and surrounding areas", Chemutai said, adding that low entry market access barriers promote entrepreneurship.

To bolster the fundraising event, some ministers, several MPs, district leaders and local community members in attendance generously contributed.

Soroti district Woman MP Ann Ebaju Adeke, who doubles as the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Vice President Eastern, lauded the initiative.

FDC's Ann Ebaju Adeke speaking at the market fundraising function at Kaserem Primary School. (Photo By Javier Silas Omagor)

"Today, we are united beyond political parties, ideologies or geographical boundaries because we desire better livelihoods in our communities," Adeke said during the function.

Stressing that, "I am an FDC MP, but this market will not serve political parties or tribal affiliations but all people, including my women of Soroti, that is why I came to contribute towards its establishment".