Poor sanitation, mounting garbage, insecurity, and what traders describe as unfair operational costs have emerged as the major challenges affecting business at Mpanga Market in Fort Portal City. The concerns were raised on Wednesday during a meeting between traders and leaders from Fort Portal Central Division aimed at identifying challenges in the market and finding lasting solutions.
Several traders expressed frustration over the poor state of sanitation facilities, particularly the market toilets, which they described as dirty, unhygienic, and lacking a reliable water supply. Jamila Kasuja said the toilets have become a health hazard, especially for women, due to blocked drainage systems, lack of running water, and poor maintenance.
Swalik Musa also criticized the condition of the toilets and questioned the Shs500 fee charged per visit despite what he described as poor service delivery. He suggested that management of the toilets be entrusted to a trader from within the market who better understands the needs of vendors. Traders also raised concerns about what they termed as inequitable rental charges.
Grace Magezi, a fresh produce vendor, said traders dealing in perishable goods pay Shs14,000 per month compared to Shs5,000 paid by traders dealing in dry produce. Meanwhile, vendors operating from the Container Village section of the market complained about the accumulation of garbage, saying waste collection trucks cannot access the area because there is no proper access road.Samson Amanyire said the situation has made it difficult for traders to operate in a clean environment.
Mpanga Market Chairperson Steven Sabiti blamed both traders and city authorities for the persistent garbage problem. According to Sabiti, some traders dispose of waste irresponsibly in corridors and open spaces, while city garbage trucks sometimes take as long as two weeks to collect waste.
He also cited competition from vendors operating on market verandas and outside designated trading spaces as another challenge affecting businesses inside the market. Responding to the concerns, Fort Portal Central Division Mayor Jorum Bintamanya said the council is taking steps to improve sanitation and restore water services at the market.He revealed that discussions are ongoing with the National Water and Sewerage Corporation to reconnect the water supply while the council works on settling an outstanding water bill of Shs23 million. Bintamanya also announced plans to establish a garbage collection centre within the market to improve waste management.
Fort Portal City Commercial Officer Michael Karwani appealed to traders to remain patient as city authorities address the concerns. He also urged vendors to dispose of garbage responsibly and pay taxes promptly to support service delivery and avoid unnecessary inconveniences.The meeting was part of ongoing efforts by city authorities to engage traders and improve conditions at one of Fort Portal City’s busiest markets-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
