🔊Govt eyes improved Soroti Market revenue with digital system

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The Government, through the local government ministry has introduced the Market and Agriculture Trade Improvement program (MATIP) Main Markets System to mechanise and digitalise the management of market administration and revenue collection.

The system was unveiled by Julius Masereka, an official from the Ministry of Local Government, during an entry meeting with Soroti Main Market vendors’ leadership, administrators, and city politicians.

Masereka, who was accompanied by Lule from the firm contracted to install the system, said the initiative follows challenges observed in revenue payments and accountability for market resources.

Lule, representing Interswitch’s agent banking team working with the Ministry, said they have started the journey to fully digitalise markets across the country.

During the meeting, vendors, including Sam Weikama and Hellen Grace Odeke, raised concerns that many traders had not yet received allocation letters or signed tenancy agreements.

They also complained about rampant illegal street vending around the market, with hawkers selling the same goods as licensed vendors, limiting customer access.

Responding to these concerns, the representative of Soroti City Mayor, Simon Okiring, pledged that city authorities will address the issues raised to ensure smooth market operations.