News
Nakaseke residents fail to use sh480m public market
Magoma market, which was constructed under Islamic Bank-funded Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) project under the ministry of local government, is lying idle since its commissioning in 2023.
Magoma market, which was constructed under Islamic Bank-funded Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) project under the ministry of local government, is lying idle since its commissioning in 2023. (Courtesy)
By: Frederick Kiwanuka, Journalist @New Vision
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A sh480m donor-funded modern market constructed by the Government in Nakaseke District has failed to attract a single vendor three years since it was commissioned.
Magoma market, which was constructed under Islamic Bank-funded Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) project under the ministry of local government, is lying idle since its commissioning in 2023.
Located at Magoma village along the Luweero-Butalangu road in Nakaseke Central Constituency, Magoma is one of the two markets that government constructed under the LEGS project to provide clean and secure spaces for vendors in the area.
Under the same LEGS project, the Government also invested in several other key infrastructural projects, including community access roads, a milk collection center and agro-processing facilities, all with a view of boosting household incomes and trade.
However, Magoma market in Nakaseke has turned into a white elephant after failing to attract a single vendor since 2023.
According to the district authorities, the market was erroneously located in a remote rural setting where residents do not buy their foodstuffs from markets.
"Village people get their food from gardens and rarely from markets," Nakaseke District chairperson Ignatius Koomu said on Friday.
A local resident, Sam Kasasa, told New Vision that the market project was initially received with enthusiasm by some vendors, but they later abandoned it after realising that they were not getting customers for their merchandise.
However, Magoma market in Nakaseke has turned into a white elephant after failing to attract a single vendor since 2023.
According to the district authorities, the market was erroneously located in a remote rural setting where residents do not buy their foodstuffs from markets.
"Village people get their food from gardens and rarely from markets," Nakaseke District chairperson Ignatius Koomu said on Friday.
A local resident, Sam Kasasa, told New Vision that the market project was initially received with enthusiasm by some vendors, but they later abandoned it after realising that they were not getting customers for their merchandise.
"Things like tomatoes would rot on the stalls," Kasasa pointed out.
The $50m (sh186.5b) LEGS project that has been running since 2019 is aimed at improving living conditions in households within 17 districts, Nakaseke inclusive.
The five-year LEGS programme aims at improving livestock production by 25% and increasing access to drinking water by 75%. The project also aims at enabling small farmer groups in the beneficiary districts to acquire working capital and to acquire a total of 729 pieces of farm equipment.
According to the implementors, Nakaseke has the biggest number of projects worth over 13b.
Other districts where the LEGS project is being implemented include Alebtong, Katakwi, Kumi, Kibuku, Gomba, Kyenjojo, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Luweero, Buikwe, Tororo, Adjumani, and Rukungiri.
The $50m (sh186.5b) LEGS project that has been running since 2019 is aimed at improving living conditions in households within 17 districts, Nakaseke inclusive.
The five-year LEGS programme aims at improving livestock production by 25% and increasing access to drinking water by 75%. The project also aims at enabling small farmer groups in the beneficiary districts to acquire working capital and to acquire a total of 729 pieces of farm equipment.
According to the implementors, Nakaseke has the biggest number of projects worth over 13b.
Other districts where the LEGS project is being implemented include Alebtong, Katakwi, Kumi, Kibuku, Gomba, Kyenjojo, Bunyangabu, Kabarole, Luweero, Buikwe, Tororo, Adjumani, and Rukungiri.