UGANDA, Wakiso | Real Muloodi News | The government has warned civil servants against irregularly acquiring vendor spaces in newly planned markets in Wakiso District, as authorities sign contracts worth USh43.7 billion to boost local trade infrastructure.
The caution was issued by Undersecretary in the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Monica Edemachu Ejua, during the official signing of contracts for the construction of Wakiso Central Daily Market and Kawuku Market.
“These markets are meant to improve the livelihoods of our traders. They are not for government officials or their relatives,” Edemachu said. “We must ensure fairness and transparency in the allocation of stalls.”
The warning follows past incidents where public officials allegedly took over stalls intended for small-scale vendors, leaving many traders without access to the facilities. Authorities say the new projects must avoid repeating such practices, particularly as demand for Wakiso market stalls is expected to be high.
Wakiso District Chairperson Matia Lwanga Bwanika urged strict oversight during the allocation process to prevent disputes among traders. He directed the Town Clerk to manage expectations carefully, noting that some vendors had previously made payments and are anticipating priority consideration.
“The Town Clerk should ensure there are no conflicts among traders because some vendors paid money earlier and are now expecting to be considered for stalls,” Bwanika said.
District officials confirmed that the two market projects mark a significant investment in trade infrastructure aimed at supporting economic activity in the fast-growing district.
Construction of Kawuku Market has been awarded to Scaffold Engineering and Construction Ltd, led by Managing Director Dinesh Patel, at a cost of USh19.804 billion. Meanwhile, Wakiso Central Daily Market will be built by Techno Three Uganda Ltd, represented by Director Amandeep Singh, at a cost of USh23.991 billion.
Project supervision has been assigned to UB Consulting Engineers, with a contract valued at USh2.27 billion. Officials say the firm will oversee quality assurance, cost control and compliance with environmental standards throughout the construction process.
Chief Administrative Officer Jude Mark Bukenya confirmed that funding for the projects has already been secured, with construction expected to commence immediately and completion scheduled within one year.
“These markets are more than just physical structures,” Bukenya said. “They represent job creation, empowerment, and dignity for vendors, especially women and youth, and a strong foundation for local economic growth.”
The development comes amid increasing efforts by government to modernize markets across Uganda, improve working conditions for traders and promote organized commerce. Once completed, the facilities are expected to serve as key commercial hubs, supporting small businesses and enhancing revenue collection for local authorities.
Officials emphasized that transparent allocation of Wakiso market stalls will be critical to ensuring that the intended beneficiaries—primarily informal traders—gain access to the new infrastructure.
District leaders, contractors and government representatives attended the signing ceremony, formally paving the way for construction to begin in the 2025/2026 financial year.
Authorities say the success of the project will depend not only on timely construction but also on fair management practices that uphold accountability and public trust in the allocation process.
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