The government of Uganda is committed to improving structures and working conditions in markets. Under this policy, we redeveloped the following markets: Gulu, Jinja, Mbale, Wandegeya (Kampala), Hoima, Nyendo (Masaka) and Mpanga (Fort Portal). Redevelopment of the following markets is ongoing: Arua, Kitgum, Soroti, Moroto, Busia, Tororo, Lugazi, Kitooro (Entebbe), Masaka, Mbarara, Kabale and Kasese. When completed, priority will be given to vendors who had stalls in the old markets.
In Kampala, Kasubi Market was completed and commissioned. Busega and Kitintale markets will be ready by December 2020.
In regard to border markets, the government adopted a Border Market Programme (later renamed the Border Export Zone Programme) to position Uganda’s exports in the region, especially in the COVID-19 era. This will enable Uganda to maximise the benefits of regional integration, such as her membership in the COMESA FTA, the EAC Customs Union, Tripartite FTA and the African Continental FTA. For this to happen, there will be need, among others, to: increase and improve trade infrastructure and capacity building of the cross-border traders, and improve compliance with standards and marketing quality of products through the use of improved and organised infrastructure. The storage and warehousing infrastructure established in the BEZs will facilitate and ease movement of goods across the borders.
Towards this, the government has developed master plans, architectural designs, and other project readiness documents for Katuna, Lwakhakha, Busia, Oraba and Kikagate border areas. In August 2020 construction begun for Katuna, Busia, Lwakhakha and Oraba borders. Over the next five years, we are going to develop the following border markets: Katuna,
Lwakhakha, Busia, Oraba, Kikagate, Mpondwe (Kasese district), Bunagana (Kisoro district) and Nyanuka/Busonga Ramya (Bundibugyo district).
Over the next five years, the government will build markets in the municipalities that don’t have modern markets.
