Multi-million market turned into video hall
Oct 27, 2014
It was supposed to be a market for agricultural produce for residents of Busowoobi village in Iganga district. However, when it failed to open for business, an entrepreneur opened up a kibanda (makeshift video-hall) at the premises.
By George Bita
IGANGA - It was supposed to be a market for agricultural produce for residents of Busowoobi village in Iganga district. However, when it failed to open for business, an entrepreneur opened up a kibanda (makeshift video-hall) at the premises.
This tarpaulin-covered kibanda, features European soccer matches, as well as video shows that include X-rated movies showing late into the night. Interlinking cables depicting poor workmanship are spread all over the ground connecting to the main market supply.
Revelers inevitably utilise the modern toilet facility on location. Security lights meant to serve the market are now providing lighting for the gate men to collect cash or spot any wrongdoers.
According to Awali Lukwagana, a resident, the market complex on the Iganga-Bugiri highway, 6km from Iganga town, was set up in 2010 by the local government, but was abandoned shortly after it had been opened.
“Locals had started bringing their goods like potatoes, charcoal and rice for sale, but the construction works on the main road affected the parking yard. Lack of space for customers’ cars caused a drastic drop in sales and traders abandoned the market,” Lukwagana explained.
The kibanda owner, who declined to be named, told New Vision that he constructed the makeshift video-hall in the market compound to take advantage of the power supply.
“I reached an agreement with the market committee executive to work from the abandoned premises,” he said. Ismail Mutale, the LC1 chairman, observed that the market was a blessing to the community since it was the reason electricity was extended to the area.
“However, we aired our concerns about need for ample parking space to the district administration during the official opening ceremony in 2012. However, to date we are still waiting for action,” Mutale lamented.
Maimuna Mutesi, a former vendor at the market, narrates that the new operational space near Butende town has enough parking space for vehicles.
“Our customers could no longer park easily because of the drainage channels on either side of the road at Busowoobi market. At the new location, trade in charcoal and potatoes is good and we are not taxed,” Mutesi noted.
Suudi Magumba, the market chairman, said it cost about sh105m to set up the market, adding that it was unfortunate that it is presently disused.
“We had no option, but allow the kibanda operator since the place was being used by idlers to smoke marijuana,” Magumba said.
Ayub Kisambira, the Nakigo sub-county chairman, revealed that a team from Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) visited the market about a year ago to access the possibility of roadside parking space.
“It is unfortunate that market vendors are now operating outside the gazetted place. The earlier we resolve the issue and they return to the market the better for all of us.”
Ezra Gabula, the district vice-chairman, noted that the concerns of the locals had been forwarded to UNRA since the local government has no jurisdiction over the highway and adjoining road reserve.