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Tororo District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Akoth Angela, has pledged to work closely with local authorities and key stakeholders to address the pressing challenges facing traders at Tororo Central Market. The commitment follows extensive consultations with market leaders and vendors, who outlined a series of concerns ranging from mounting rental arrears and high electricity costs to poor market infrastructure and limited access to government support programs.
Speaking to journalists after her visit, the legislator acknowledged the frustrations of the business community and assured traders that their concerns would be taken up with municipal leaders in search of practical and lasting solutions.
How Did MP Akoth Angela Begin Engagements with Tororo Central Market Leaders?
Before meeting with ordinary traders on the ground, Tororo District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Akoth Angela, first held discussions with the leadership of Tororo Central Market at Muzuri Guest House.
The meeting provided a platform for market leaders to share the challenges affecting both the administration of the market and the wider vendor community. Discussions focused on key concerns including operational difficulties, traders’ welfare, infrastructure gaps, and issues affecting smooth business activities within the market.
Hon. Akoth listened to the concerns raised by the leadership and later used the insights gathered from the engagement to guide further discussions with vendors, ensuring that the voices of both market administrators and traders were considered in finding lasting solutions.
What Challenges Are Tororo Central Market Vendors Facing?
During the engagement, traders highlighted several longstanding issues that they say continue to undermine their businesses and livelihoods. Among the most pressing concerns are accumulated rental arrears, with many vendors reporting increasing pressure to clear outstanding balances despite the difficult business environment.
Vendors also pointed to the absence of cold storage facilities, a major challenge for those dealing in perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. They argued that the lack of refrigeration leads to frequent losses and reduced profits.
Another issue raised was the poor accessibility of stalls located on the first and second floors of the market. Traders said the building’s design discourages customers from accessing upper-level businesses, leaving many vendors struggling to attract buyers.
Why Are Traders Concerned About Market Management and Electricity Costs?
Beyond infrastructure concerns, vendors accused municipal and district authorities of excluding them from important decisions affecting the administration and management of the market.
They argued that key policy decisions are often made without adequate consultation, leaving traders feeling sidelined despite being the primary stakeholders. Electricity charges also emerged as one of the biggest grievances. According to vendors, an external private company collects additional fees on top of the tariffs charged by Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited (UEDCL), significantly increasing their operating costs.
The traders further appealed for designated and secure spaces to support night markets, saying extended trading hours would boost business and improve household incomes if conducted in a safe environment.
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How Does Hon. Akoth Angela Plan to Address the Concerns?
Hon. Akoth described Tororo Central Market as a vital economic hub that supports thousands of families and contributes significantly to the municipality’s economy. She pledged to engage the mayor and municipal leadership in discussions aimed at finding both immediate and long-term solutions to the traders’ concerns.
The MP emphasized that while some interventions could be implemented quickly, others would require broader consultations involving relevant government agencies and local authorities.
Can Tororo Central Market Become a Separate Parish Under the PDM?
Responding to questions about the Parish Development Model (PDM), Hon. Akoth clarified that establishing a separate parish specifically for Tororo Central Market to access PDM funds is neither legally nor practically possible.
However, she stressed that market vendors should not be excluded from government wealth-creation initiatives. Instead, she encouraged eligible traders to access PDM opportunities through their respective home parishes and sub-counties.
The legislator also called for increased public sensitization to ensure traders fully understand government programs, eligibility requirements, and available economic opportunities.
What Support Has the MP Promised for Market Vendors?
As part of her broader commitment, Hon. Akoth revealed plans to lobby for specialized grants and financial support tailored to market vendors through existing national government programs. She said improving communication between government institutions and the business community would help bridge information gaps and ensure traders benefit from available interventions.
Concluding her grassroots engagement, the MP reaffirmed her commitment to delivering tangible results for the people of Tororo.
“This is Kisanja—no sleep. We are ready to work for our people. We want to see change in the lives of our people, and it begins now,” Hon. Akoth said.
Her pledge has been welcomed by many traders, who now hope the discussions with municipal leaders will translate into concrete action that eases the financial pressures facing Tororo Central Market and creates a more conducive environment for business growth.
