PS Ben Kumumanya Orders Halt to Sunday Market in Tororo, Unveils Major Central Market Reforms

TORORO — The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has ordered an immediate halt to the recently introduced Sunday market operations in Tororo Municipality, saying the initiative does not address the underlying challenges facing traders and could expose vendors and buyers to unnecessary risks.

Kumumanya issued the directive while meeting vendors at the Tororo Central Market Loading and Offloading Site, where he also announced a package of government interventions intended to improve the condition and functionality of Tororo Central Market.

The Permanent Secretary said the Ministry of Local Government is preparing to undertake a comprehensive redesign of the market to address the challenges that have affected traders for a long time.

He said the proposed redesign will focus on creating a more organised and functional market environment while responding to the practical needs of vendors, customers and other users of the facility.

Government to address electricity, water and drainage challenges

Among the major concerns raised by vendors were inadequate electricity, unreliable water supply and poor drainage within the market.

Kumumanya pledged government intervention to address the challenges, noting that improved infrastructure is essential for creating a safe and conducive environment for both traders and consumers.

The proposed market improvements are expected to address some of the infrastructure gaps that have continued to affect business operations and the general sanitation of the market.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised that the government wants to see a market that is properly planned and equipped to support traders rather than one that continues to operate under conditions that create difficulties for both vendors and customers.

Vendors to receive Shs10,000 monthly rent reduction

In another measure likely to provide immediate relief to traders, Kumumanya announced a reduction of Shs10,000 from the monthly rent paid by vendors.

The reduction was welcomed by traders, who said the measure would help ease the financial pressure associated with operating businesses in the market.

For vendors already facing challenges related to infrastructure and business conditions, the reduction in monthly dues is expected to provide some relief as government works on longer-term improvements to the market.

Sunday market suspended

Kumumanya also announced the immediate suspension of the recently launched open Sunday market in Tororo Municipality.

He argued that opening an additional market arrangement on Sundays would not solve the fundamental problems affecting the existing market infrastructure.

Instead, he expressed concern that the Sunday market could expose traders and customers to unsafe conditions.

The directive effectively shifts attention from creating additional market spaces to improving the existing Tororo Central Market and ensuring that it can adequately serve the needs of the municipality's growing trading community.

Tanna and Akoth pledge financial support

During the same engagement, Tororo Municipality Member of Parliament Hon. Shyam Jay Tanna and Tororo Woman MP Hon. Akoth Angella pledged personal financial support towards the planned redesign of Tororo Central Market.

The two leaders said they were prepared to work closely with the Ministry of Local Government and Tororo Municipal Council to ensure that the proposed improvements are implemented.

Their commitment comes amid calls for stronger cooperation between central government, local authorities and elected leaders in addressing challenges affecting communities.

Tanna and Akoth said they would continue supporting interventions aimed at improving service delivery and the livelihoods of residents, describing their commitment as part of the broader “Kisanja No More Sleep” approach.

Vendors welcome reforms

The vendors who attended the meeting welcomed the decisions announced by the Permanent Secretary, particularly the reduction in monthly rent and the commitment to improve the market's infrastructure.

They expressed hope that the promised interventions would translate into tangible improvements, particularly in water supply, electricity, drainage and the overall design of the market.

The traders also welcomed the suspension of the Sunday market, with the focus now expected to shift towards making Tororo Central Market more functional, safe and attractive to both traders and customers.

A new direction for Tororo Central Market

The latest developments mark what could be a significant shift in the management and development of Tororo's main trading facility.

Rather than expanding market activities without first addressing existing infrastructure challenges, the Ministry of Local Government intends to prioritise the redesign and improvement of the central market.

The success of the plan, however, will depend on effective coordination between the ministry, Tororo Municipal Council, elected leaders and the vendors themselves.

For traders, the immediate rent reduction offers some financial relief, while the planned infrastructure works could provide a longer-term solution to the challenges that have affected their businesses.

With government, municipal leaders and vendors now expressing a shared commitment to improving the facility, attention will turn to how quickly the proposed redesign is translated into concrete action.

The meeting has therefore raised expectations among Tororo traders that the long-standing challenges at Tororo Central Market can finally receive a comprehensive and lasting solution.