Traders in Mukono Municipality are facing an uphill battle after being relocated from Kame Valley Market due to a recent eviction. The move, which was part of a two-day operation by municipal enforcement officers, aimed at restoring order to the streets. However, the relocation to a new site along Mulyanti and Nakawolole roads has ignited a wave of discontent among many traders, who feel the new conditions are far from ideal.
Some traders have expressed optimism about the move, hoping the extra space will help attract more customers. Yet, for others, the reality has been a series of unfortunate setbacks. The new location is riddled with muddy terrain and poor road conditions, making daily operations a struggle. One trader, visibly frustrated, lamented, “We’re working in mud; it’s hard to do business like this.
The roads should have been fixed before we were moved here.”
To make matters worse, there are no basic facilities at the new market site. Traders have been forced to walk up to half a kilometer to access toilets at the Mukono Taxi Park. This lack of essential amenities has made the new site even less appealing to the traders, who were already upset by the sudden relocation.
The relocation has not only disrupted operations but also caused a significant drop in foot traffic. Traders reported that many of their regular customers are still looking for them at their old location, resulting in fewer sales. “We’ve lost a lot of our clients, who are now confused about where we are,” said John Busulwa, a local trader. This has compounded their financial struggles, leaving many wondering if the move was worth it.
There are also growing tensions between traders, particularly regarding the allocation of space. The new site is not clearly demarcated, and this has led to disputes over who gets which space. Ivan Semanda, the market’s security chief, noted that the lack of organization has exacerbated the problem, with traders jostling for limited spots.
The mechanics who operate near the new market location have also raised their concerns. They claim that the market’s layout, with stalls set up along the roadside, is blocking access to their garages. This has added to the chaos, with multiple parties vying for control over the available space.
In response to the mounting complaints, Mukono Municipal Town Clerk Francis Byabagambi assured traders that the municipality is aware of the issues they are facing. He stated that efforts are underway to engage landlords and secure better spaces for the traders. The municipality is also working on improving the infrastructure at the new site to ensure that it becomes a more organized and business-friendly environment.
Despite the promises of improvement, many traders remain skeptical. The quick and chaotic relocation has left them feeling abandoned, and until significant changes are made, it’s clear that their struggles will persist. With tensions still simmering and conditions far from ideal, it remains to be seen if the relocation will ultimately benefit or hinder Mukono’s trading community.
