Power Disruptions and Theft Frustrate Vendors in New Government Markets
Vendors operating in newly constructed modern markets across various urban councils in Uganda are struggling to profit from the huge government investments, citing persistent power outages and rampant theft. The government, using loans from the African Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, rolled out the Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Program (MATIP) in two phases.
The program aimed to construct at least one modern market in each urban local government to offer decent workspaces for agro-related vendors, improve urban infrastructure, restore order in city trade, and expand local revenue bases.
Frank Tumwebaze, Chairperson of the Vendors’ Association at Masaka City Central Market in Nyendo-Mukungwe Division, says frequent power disruptions are making the market unsustainable. He explains that the market has an unreliable electricity supply, leading some vendors—particularly those dealing in perishable goods—to abandon their stalls.
He adds that a private individual was contracted by the Ministry of Local Government to collect electricity fees, but delayed remittances have led to growing arrears and disconnections.
Elizabeth Nakayiza, one of the affected vendors, says poor lighting has shortened their working hours and exposed the market to theft.
Michael Mulindwa Nakumusana, the Nyendo–Mukungwe Division Chairperson, says the Ministry retained control over utility management without consulting vendors. He notes that urban councils are now considering a joint petition to the Ministry of Local Government, demanding that power bill management be decentralized.
In Lopeduru Central Market, Moroto Municipality, similar frustrations abound. The market suffers from non-functional solar lighting and security cameras, according to Salim Wambede, Chairperson of the Vendors Association.
He says vendors are forced to close as early as 7:00 PM due to insecurity in the dark market environment.
Richard Eyaru, the Town Clerk of Moroto Municipal Council, blames the power challenges on a complex centralized metering system.
He says the municipality is already engaging UEDCL to decentralize bill management, allowing vendors to pay locally.
