2,800 Vendors Relocated as New Busega Central Market is Commissioned

The newly constructed Busega Central Market in Rubaga Division, Kampala, has been officially commissioned, marking a significant milestone in efforts to modernize urban trade infrastructure.

The commissioning took place on Monday as part of the launch of a nationwide Presidential assessment tour focusing on the Parish Development Model (PDM) and wealth creation initiatives in Kampala.

Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President toured the market complex and interacted with vendors before addressing market stakeholders, local leaders, and area residents.

In his remarks, the President highlighted the strategic importance of the market in supporting urban livelihoods, particularly in the services sector.
“I’m pleased to see that you’re engaged in wealth creation by selling goods produced by others. What you needed was a clean, safe, and secure environment to operate from,” he said.

Constructed under the government’s Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Programme (MATIP) with funding support from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Busega Central Market officially opened to vendors in November 2024. The facility currently accommodates over 2,800 traders and is expected to significantly boost commerce in Rubaga and surrounding areas.

The President emphasized the value of the services sector in wealth creation, alongside agriculture, manufacturing, artisanship, and ICT. He noted that traders would no longer face exposure to harsh weather conditions while operating.
“In this facility, your merchandise is now secure from the rain. I used to see you struggle on the streets during downpours—I don’t know how you managed,” he said.

He also endorsed a proposal by the market leadership to construct a road linking the Northern Bypass directly to Busega Market, calling it a “smart idea” that would enhance accessibility and business traffic.

However, he expressed disappointment with opposition legislators representing Rubaga Division, citing their failure to raise local issues such as road access with the central government.
“This market was built by the government, like many others in the city. But small roads like the one connecting to the bypass—I only learned of it today because your MP hasn’t communicated it,” he said.

Mr. Kawuma Jimmy, Chairperson of the Busega Market Vendors, had earlier appealed to the President over the poor state of the access road, explaining that it was affecting customer access and resulting in the spoilage of perishable goods like fish.
“We are grateful for this market, but without proper access roads, business is affected. We would be thankful if that road is constructed,” he said.

Mr. Kawuma also thanked the government for relocating vendors from street trading into a more organized and sanitary facility.

In response, the President pledged to follow up with KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki on a proposal to secure additional land adjacent to the market to accommodate over 700 fish dealers in need of expansion space.

As part of his support for grassroots economic empowerment, the President capitalized three Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) with Shs. 100 million each. The beneficiaries include Busega United Fish Dealers and Processors SACCO, Busega Market SACCO, and Tuli Bumu Drivers SACCO. An additional Shs. 50 million was committed to a SACCO for sheikhs operating in the division.

Turning to political accountability, the President urged residents of Rubaga to vote wisely in the next general elections. He cited reports of mismanagement of PDM funds and inadequate follow-up by elected opposition leaders as barriers to community development.
“Please vote well. In many places, people are telling me that PDM funds aren’t reaching them, and in some cases, money is being stolen. I also blame you for electing leaders who don’t follow up on your needs,” he said.

He stressed the importance of electing leaders who are connected both to the community and to central government institutions.
“I can try to solve problems when I come, but you need someone on the ground—an MP who can follow up. I want to see this area liberated,” he added.

The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, applauded the President for his role in establishing city markets and ensuring their proper management under the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
She noted that collaboration between government structures and local NRM leadership was improving organization and efficiency across Kampala.

KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, briefed the President on progress in market vendor registration and facility management, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government, the Uganda Police Force, and the Internal Security Organisation (ISO).
“In Busega Market alone, we have 2,836 registered vendors. We still have about 300 unoccupied stalls, which may soon be reassigned if they remain vacant,” she said.

The President’s week-long tour of Kampala under the PDM framework will focus on various pillars of urban economic development. He is expected to meet with city leaders, vendor associations, youth groups, and members of the media to deepen understanding of how PDM structures can tackle urban poverty and unlock economic potential.

The tour will conclude with a grand public rally at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Sunday, 20th July 2025.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Government Chief Whip Hon. Hamson Denis Obua, ministers, KCCA representatives, NRM leaders, and other dignitaries.