Busia leaders launch campaign to construct four markets

Several members of Parliament from Eastern Uganda have embarked on a new drive to improve trade in different constituents in Busia district.

The fundraising drive initiated by the area Member of Parliament Denis Nyangweso, is aimed at constructing four markets in Samia Bugwe Central Constituency.

Butote, Butacho, Bunyadeti and Bukobe markets in Masafu town Council, Masaba, Buhehe and Masafu sub counties respectively are targeted in the first phase for construction to create good working conditions for residents particularly women using them.

Nyangweso says that the project would provide infrastructure to solve the deplorable working condition hindering mothers from working beyond 8pm due to unlit makeshift markets. 

About sh50m was raised by the Members of Parliament who turned up at Masafu town council play ground on Friday. Other MP's sent in their support including Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja who contributed sh10m and Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa the deputy speaker of Parliament, sh2m.

Denis Nyangweso left dancing with his constituents.

Some of the MPs who attended, right is Mutebi Wanzala speaking.

Nabanja's contribution was announced by Jacob Oboth Oboth the Defense state minister in charge of veterans.

He also said that Nabbanja in her message advocated for proper use of markets for grow wealth noting government is committed to helping people get out of poverty and improve household incomes.

On his behalf Oboth said women selling products alongside the road and in open places should support the drive.

Stephen Mugeni Wasike the Busia district chairperson in a message delivered by Peter Onyango Nakeri the secretary for finance and administrative, requested Parliament to formulate insurance policy for Parish Development Model (PDM), to safe guard the loans.

Wasike expressed fear that some fund beneficiaries undertaking raring enterprises, have had their livestock stolen immediately after buying it, using loans which they are supposed to pay them back.

Sam Mangeni Okumu the mayor Masafu town Council said PDM came when leaders were not well prepared, noting some beneficiaries wasted the money on buying mattress, smart phones and television sets, leaving enterprises they selected.

Richard Oseku the Member of Parliament for Kibale County in Pallisa district also chairperson Bukedi Members of Parliament Association said markets should facilitate PDM in the area as centers for selling products.

Nyangweso said he was concerned by the plight of hardworking mothers fending for their families, but being limited in their operation.

He said much as it is not his work to construct markets, his intervention will enable women engage in production, sell their products throughout without disturbances and improve their household financial statuses.

The markets he noted will also provide the district Council revenue to improve service delivery in the area. All the 14 parishes in the constituency, he said had received PDM cash and appealed to use the money well.

MP’s including Noah Mutebi Wanzala from Nakasongora, Brenda Namukuta from Karilo, the Iganga women MP, Christopher Komakech from Padel, Geoffrey Butiwa, from Bunyoli and Moses Alepe from Nakapiripiriti attended the function.