By Gorrette Kajumba
www.mknewslink.com
In Fort Portal—
Fort Portal Tourism City leaders have called for clear guidelines on the allocation of stalls and lockups at Kiculeta Farmers’ Market in Central Division, as the facility nears completion.
The market, whose construction began in 2018 at a cost of 2.1 billion shillings, is expected to boost local revenue and provide a designated trading space for vendors who have been operating along the streets and Fuelex market in Kisenyi.
City Commercial Officer Michael Karwani says the contractor’s report indicates that the project is 95% complete, with drainage, stall numbering and other minor works still pending.
Karwani adds that the city has identified the need to fence the market for security purposes, although fencing was not included in the contractor’s agreement. The facility has 30 lockups, 48 stalls, designated spaces for fish traders and butchers, as well as an area where the council plans to attract private partners.
Meanwhile, Central Division Deputy Mayor Kengonzi Elizabeth says leaders are identifying eligible traders ahead of the market’s handover to the city.
She reveals that more than 700 applications have already been received from traders seeking space in the market, despite the limited number of available stalls and lockups.
Kengonzi says the market is expected to increase revenue for Central Division while addressing the challenge of street vending.
General Purpose Committee Chairperson Komuntale Traxier says the project is in its final stages, although some facilities still require completion.
She says the public will be informed about the procedures for allocating stalls and lockups, adding that leaders are committed to ensuring the spaces are distributed fairly and through proper procedures.
Fort Portal Tourism City Mayor Rev. Willy Kintu Muhanga says the market was constructed by the Ministry of Agriculture through the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) programme in collaboration with local government.
However, he says some works, including the perimeter fence, pavement, drainage and finishing, remain incomplete.
The mayor says the city council will explore ways of completing the outstanding facilities to enable traders to occupy the market.
He adds that he has directed the city clerk to write to the responsible ministry seeking guidance on the allocation of stalls and lockups to avoid misunderstandings, given the high number of applicants.
The Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Fort Portal North Division, Henry Kitambula, has also emphasised the need to fence the market to protect traders’ goods from theft and ensure the remaining facilities are completed.
These concerns emerged during a joint monitoring exercise involving city leaders, technical officers and the Resident City Commissioner’s office in Fort Portal Tourism City.
Once completed and operational, the market is expected to provide an organized trading space, improve the working conditions of vendors and contribute to the city’s local revenue.
