Construction of the long-awaited Shs73 billion Mpigi Central Market has officially started, bringing renewed hope to traders who have waited for a modern facility to support business in Mpigi Town.
The project is being implemented under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Urban Development Programme and has seen traders vacate the old market premises and relocate to a temporary facility at the Mpigi District Works Offices.
The construction contract was awarded to Hebron Investments Limited, with the contractor expected to complete the project within one year. Traders say the start of construction is a major milestone, but they want the project completed within the agreed timeframe.
Despite welcoming the temporary trading space, traders say business has been slow because many customers are unaware that the market has been relocated. They have asked authorities to install prominent signposts along major roads to direct customers to the new location.
“We are grateful for this location because it is not bad, but we are still facing the challenge of having very few customers,” the traders said, urging the government to improve visibility of the temporary market.
The traders have also called for transparency in the distribution of stalls once the new facility is completed. They want existing traders to be given priority rather than having outsiders take over spaces they have occupied for years.
Mpigi Central Market Traders Chairperson Dirisa Mawejje urged the contractor to design a facility that responds to the practical needs of traders. “Every trader should have a visible and accessible selling space that supports business operations,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mpigi Town Council Mayor Hassan Wasswa Mujuzi raised concerns about road safety and drainage around the temporary market, particularly because of its proximity to schools and a busy road. He called for speed humps and traffic signs to protect traders and customers. Once completed, the Shs73 billion market is expected to provide modern trading spaces and boost commercial activity in Mpigi Town.:::
