TORORO DISTRICT: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commissioned a multi-billion Tororo Central Market in Tororo municipality and called upon government officials to always consult and seek guidance from the vendors and consumers on the suitable design and planning of their markets. 

“Plan for what is comfortable for the buyer and vendor. Am told too many floors disturb the buyers from reaching the vendors. The market construction should be guided by vendors and consumers,” President Museveni said.

The President made these remarks today (Saturday) while officiating at the commissioning of Tororo Central Market located in the heart of Tororo municipality.

Accompanied by his daughter Natasha Karugire, President Museveni arrived at the market at 2pm amidst chants and ululations from the vendors and NRM Supporters who had gathered alongside roads to witness this historical achievement. He thereafter commissioned the market and went on a guided tour of together with other government officials. 

Seated on 5 acres of land, Tororo Central Market is one of the 12 markets that have been constructed under the markets and Agricultural Trade improvement Programme (MATIP-2) at a cost 27.7 billions.

Other urban markets according to the state Minister of Local Government that have been completed and are ready for commissioning include; Lopeduru market in Moroto, Busia Central Market, Lugazi Central Market, Kitooro Market in Entebbe and Kasese Central Market.

Speaking shortly after commissioning Tororo Central Market, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni advised the Ministry of Local Government to always involve all stakeholders like the venders and consumers in planning the design of these markets which are comfortable to all users.

The President said that the construction of these new modern markets is a combination of two important things i.e. selling fresh products and doing it in a hygienic way. 

“This facility handles the hygienic selling. Selling without dust and mad especially during the rainy season and also easy to clean and maintain hygiene,” he said.

Mr. Museveni urged local leaders of Tororo to encourage their people to produce for the market so that they can increase their household incomes. 

He called upon the people of Tororo in particular and Uganda in general to move away from subsistence farming to commercial modern agro-production.

“Please work for the stomach and for the pocket but doing it with Ekibalo, (Chuura). If all homes with land do that, all the homesteads will be having money,” he said.

The State Minister for Local Government Hon. Namuyangu Jenipher revealed that construction of modern markets is contributing to the National Strategy of Prosperity for All.

Minister Namuyangu further revealed that three other markets of Arua, Mbarara and Masaka are at finishing stages whereas, Kitgum Central Market and Kabale Central Market are at advanced stages of construction. 

“High level value addition facilities are being constructed in Arua, Busia and Soroti respectively. These investments have been financed from African Development Bank and the Government of Uganda” Minister Namuyangu said.

The spokesperson of Tororo Vendor’s Association Ms. Akech Josephine on behalf of all vendors thanked President Museveni and government for fulfilling the pledge of building Tororo modern market.

“We are going to improve our household incomes and the standard of living in our families. We are going to have a good working environment, We thank you so much for this facility” Akech said. 

The new Tororo Central Market will accommodate 1769 market vendors and has a number of facilities which include Market stalls, Lockups/shops, pitches, Day care centers, Food courts, Clinic/pharmacy facilities, a conference hall etc.

#ENDS….