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Mbarara's Makhan Singh Market Shs40bn Refurbishment to Uplift Vendors Struggling in Aging Facility

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Mbarara's Makhan Singh Market Shs40bn Refurbishment to Uplift Vendors Struggling in Aging Facility
Makhan Singh Market in Mbarara City has seen better days in its far past | Bridget Nsimenta

The redevelopment, spearheaded by the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association, aims to modernize the city’s trade hub and address long-standing challenges faced by vendors.

Mbarara City’s iconic Makhan Singh Market is set for a major transformation, with plans for a Shs40 billion modern facility to replace the deteriorating structure.

The redevelopment, spearheaded by the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association (MMSMLA), aims to modernize the city’s trade hub and address long-standing challenges faced by vendors.

The current market struggles with poor infrastructure and limited accessibility, which have hindered business in the rapidly growing urban center.

“Our market has no way through. Many people don’t know the road to the market. There is no parking for those with vehicles. This ruins the business,” lamented Abaasi Rugundana, chairman of the tenants.

Publicizing the new market plans has inadvertently worsened the situation, as it has driven away customers.

“The more they publicize new plans for the modern market without construction starting, clients stop visiting the market, and this reduces our sales,” Abaasi explained.

“You find tenants sitting with no clients because the public thinks we have shifted.”

To facilitate the redevelopment, vendors will be temporarily relocated to Kakika Cell in Andrews, where construction of the new permanent market will begin.

Preparations for the temporary market at Kakika are underway, with key infrastructure already in place.

“For the temporary market in Kakika Andrews, toilets have been constructed, and 500 poles and enough timber have been set aside and are ready for use,” said Thomas Mukundane, chairman of MMSMLA.

Funding for the new market will come from a combination of landlord contributions and external sources. Each landlord is required to pay Shs7 million annually, and an additional Shs3.4 billion has been secured from Plan Build Construction Company.

“To achieve this plan of having a new permanent market, each landlord will be paying Shs7 million annually, and they will get Shs3.4 billion from Plan Build Construction,” Mukundane explained.

“With full engagement from landlords, we will attract funding, reduce debt burdens, and be able to secure loans for further construction.”

However, delays in relocation have sparked frustration among vendors.

Mukundane acknowledged these challenges, stating, “We wanted to shift, but since July this year, people have been asking for more time, which has delayed us here.” He assured vendors their concerns are being addressed.

“If by January next year the new place in Kakika is not habitable, vendors will still operate in Makhan Singh. But when we find it suitable for business, we will shift early next year.”

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