Newly Commissioned Busega Market Faces Administration Challenges

The recently inaugurated Busega Market, celebrated as a state-of-the-art facility for vendors, is already embroiled in allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
Vendors from the former makeshift market claim the allocation of stalls and lockups has been marred by favoritism and bribery, sidelining long-time market members in favor of newcomers.
Accusations include the hoarding of prime stalls by individuals with no prior connection to the market and reports of vandalism being used as a means to demand bribes.
Some vendors have pointed fingers at the Resident City Commissioner (RCC), alleging political interference in a process meant to adhere to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) guidelines.
“Those of us who struggled in the old market are being ignored. Instead, people who didn’t work here are being favored. It’s not fair!” lamented one vendor.
The market, constructed at a cost of Shs23.8 billion under the Market and Agricultural Trade Improvement Project (MATIP) Phase 2, was funded through a partnership involving the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, and the Arab Bank for Development in Africa (BADEA).
It features modern facilities, including designated sections for various goods, storage areas, and ample parking, which vendors and customers alike have praised.
Despite these advancements, administrative challenges have cast a shadow over the market's potential.
The Deputy Mayor of Rubaga Division has urged vendors to report grievances directly to her, assuring them of her commitment to fairness.
Similarly, KCCA officials have pledged to address the issues in accordance with established guidelines.
The Busega Market was envisioned as a symbol of progress and economic empowerment. Resolving the current tensions will be key to restoring trust and ensuring the market fulfills its promise to the community.