Traders ordered off road reserve

By George Bita

Over 1,500 traders at Musita roadside market in Mayuge district have been ordered to relocate the market from the road reserve, which they have occupied for 30 years.

The market is located in Musita town centre in Baitambogwe sub-county.

However, when New Vision visited the market recently, the traders were yet to relocate.

According to Herbert Kyangabo, the market chairperson, Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) put in place demarcations that showed the market lies in the road reserve.

“As soon as construction of the Musita-Busia highway starts, the market will be razed to clear the way for expansion of the road,” Kyangabo said.

The Government planned to construct the Musita- Namayingo-Busia highway during the 2014/2015 financial year.
Amin Kiiza, a trader, said while relocating the market, the authorities should consider proximity to the highway, so that they are guaranteed a wide customer base.

“Almost 70% of the local income is generated from commuters on the highway. As traders, we shall not earn much if the market is relocated off the highway,” Kiiza lamented.

Dan Alinange, the UNRA spokesperson, explained that the road reserve stretches 15 metres from the middle of the road, in either direction.

“Anybody using land within the road reserve does so illegally and can be evicted at anytime,” Alinange said.

Moses Mukisa, the district councillor representing Baitambogwe sub-county, said the relocation of the market was being discussed by the council and they would come up with a solution soon.

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