Kabale Central Market, once a bustling hub of commerce, now faces a crisis as a significant number of vendors have vacated their stalls in protest of unfavorable laws and poor stall allocation. This market, crucial for many small-scale traders, has been embroiled in controversy, leaving many stalls unoccupied and raising concerns about its future viability.
The introduction of new laws and regulations, aimed at improving market organization, has instead made it increasingly difficult for vendors to operate profitably. Vendors have reported that the new laws have led to higher costs and increased bureaucratic challenges, which have driven many of them away.
Additionally, the allocation of stalls has been heavily criticized, with claims of favoritism and corruption, further fueling disputes and leading to the exodus of vendors in search of alternative trading spaces.
A visit to the market revealed a striking number of closed stalls, with only a few open but without vendors. The departure of vendors has not only diminished the vibrancy of the market but has also impacted the local economy, as many customers struggle to find their usual vendors.
During the allocation process, vendors reported issues with the poor zoning of stalls and the new laws imposed by the government. Many have expressed that their businesses have suffered significantly since they vacated the market, with customers finding it difficult to locate them. The vendors predict that if the current situation persists, the market could be on the brink of collapse within the next two years.
Sam Alinaitwe, the Kabale Municipality Central Division Chairman, highlighted that the market was allocated to the wrong people, with only a few original vendors securing stalls. He noted that some vendors paid bribes to obtain better stalls, and if these issues are not addressed, the situation is likely to worsen.
Alinaitwe also mentioned that the market is operating at around 55% capacity, making tax collection challenging.
Kabale Deputy Town Clerk Eric Sunday acknowledged that some vendors have vacated the market, attributing it to poor zoning during the allocation process and the need for larger spaces for bigger businesses. He stated that the locked stalls are facing various challenges, but assured that leaders are working on resolving these issues.
Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi condemned the zoning process during stall allocation and emphasized that vendors uncomfortable with the market’s governing laws have the right to vacate. Despite multiple interventions by Minister Magyezi, the efforts to resolve the growing concerns surrounding the market have yet to yield significant results.
In January 2023, vendors were relocated back to the newly constructed Kabale Central Market in the central division of Kabale Municipality. However, the ongoing disputes and challenges have raised serious questions about the market’s future.
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