The new USMID market which is being constructed in Ukusijoni sub-county. It is anticipated that it will improve trade but also boost local revenue collection. Photo by Marko Taibot.
By Marko Taibot
Adjumani
Adjumani district expects to raise Shs23.1m more in revenue following the completion of Kiraba market in Ukusijoni sub-county in Adjumani district.
Francis Mindra the senior assistant Chief Administrative Officer predicts that the market will boost trade and increase local revenue in the sub-county, given that it is a refugee-hosting district.
In the financial year 2023/2024, the district raised over shs63m from local sources. Mindra projects that in the financial year 2024/2025 the revenue from local sources will rise to over shs86.5m because of the market.
“This market, without doubt, will enhance the local revenue performance of the Sub-County,” Mindra said.
Adjumani is predominantly agricultural and already taps buyers from its neighboring countries such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mindra also revealed that in 2023, a technical team and political leaders started drafting a plan to effectively management the market.
“This plan is now in its final stage. Once approved by the council, it will guide the management of the market,” Mindra revealed.
He added that one of the hallmarks of the management plan is the establishment of a market committee composed of mostly vendors, who will be at the center of providing governance so that they own and sustain the market.
“The Ministry of Lands Housing and Urban Development is developing operational guidelines to manage this market. Once ready, it will further streamline management and revenue collection in the market,” he added.
Patrick Nyanda, a resident of Kiraba village, in Ukusijoni sub-county who is the chairperson users’ committee explained that the strategic location of the market will attract traders from west Nile, parts of Acholi, and other traders that move to Juba.
“We shall take advantage of this market to sell our produce at fair prices. We have been waiting for this market. We have been selling our produce cheaply due to lack of proper market,” Nyanda said.
Hopes of improving trade
Kiraba market is among the three modern markets constructed in West Nile under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development- Additional Funding (USMID-AF), to boost trade and agricultural productivity among refugees and the host communities in the two districts.
Construction of the market in Adjumani district cost Shs2.6b.
In Madi Okollo District, the construction of Matangacia market in Rigbo sub-county and Imve market in Imve Town Council under USMID-AF have also been completed.
The two markets were constructed at Shs1.7b and Shs1.4b, respectively.
Ismail Drabe, the local council five chairperson of Madi Okollo district observed that the two markets will significantly improve trade between the refugees and nationals.
Drabe believes that the two markets have the potential to generate close to shs10m monthly, because of their conducive condition.
He said the old markets were deplorable, and vendors were suffering.
Moses Jibi, a refugee trader operating in Maaji, a refugee settlement, said the stores in the market will provide them with a safe place for their goods.
“We have been operating in temporary structures, now our goods will be safe,” Jibi said.
A joint report of the Office of the Prime Minister, UNHCR, and the government of Uganda shows that Adjumani district was hosting 218,549 while Madi Okollo had 219,013 people by November 30, 2023.
