Some Arua market vendors stranded after relocation 

Vendors pack their goods before relocation. Photos by Robert Ariaka

The relocation of Arua Main Market vendors to a new site has left many stranded after they failed to get space at the new site

The old market is to be demolished to pave way for the construction of a multi-billion storied market under the Market and Agricultural Trade Improvement program MATIP II project.  

Arua is among the 11 towns in Uganda benefiting from the construction of markets funded by the Government with a loan facility from African Development Bank under the MATIP II project. 

Some of the vendors have settled on the streets to sell their goods. This has congested the street along Avenue Road as bodaboda riders who usually stage in front of the market have also decided to shift and stage in front of the new relocation site.

Nelson Dada, the chairperson of Arua main Agro-market Vendors Association told New Vision that those who failed to get space did not register for the relocation.

Dada says the vendors sacrificed their personal funds to put a perimeter fence and also construct lockups to keep their goods in the relocation sites after municipal council failed to do it.

A woman carries her merchandise during relocation

Innocent Maneno, the chairperson of Arua Main Market Women and vice-chairperson said they sat with the municipal authorities and asked them to postpone the relocation process to allow vendors to shift and they agreed that all vendors shift on September 15.

 She said those who refused will be penalised and their merchandise will be confiscated. 

 Maneno blamed the municipal leaders for failing to construct a perimeter fence on the new site, forcing vendors to use their money.

 "I appeal to the leaders to ensure the vendors who registered are given first priority to settle in the new market once completed" Maneno said.

 Much as the vendors appreciate the relocation process, they still complained of little time given to them to prepare. The market construction was projected to cost sh30b much as ministry has not given an update on the new costs for the project. 

Once completed it is expected to house 4,556 vendors. The official construction of the market as scheduled was expected to take off in April, but due to delays, it has still not started. The construction will last for a period of two years expected to end in 2019.