500 stalls lie idle at Lira Main Market
With a total of 1,874 stalls and 500 lock-ups, the market was projected to provide direct employment for 3,500 people
LIRA, September 10, 2024 – Approximately 500 stalls and lock-ups at Lira Main Market in Lira City are currently vacant after vendors struggled to attract customers due to accessibility issues.
The market, funded by the African Development Bank [AfDB] at a cost of Shs 28 billion, was part of Phase 1 of the Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Programme [MATIP]. It was inaugurated by President Yoweri Museveni in 2015.
With a total of 1,874 stalls and 500 lock-ups, the market was projected to provide direct employment for 3,500 people, an additional 5,000 indirect jobs, serve 80,000 residents, and generate Shs 1.2 billion annually for Lira City, according to the Ministry of Local Government, which oversees MATIP’s modern market projects.
Dan Ogwal Engwedo, Vice-chairperson of the market vendors, attributes the market’s challenges to its design and construction. He explains that the layout fails to provide adequate accessibility to key areas, particularly affecting stalls located in less trafficked sections, such as those on upper floors.
“The market’s design does not benefit us. While some busy areas are easily accessible to clients, many stalls, especially those upstairs, remain unnoticed,” Ogwal said. “As a result, vendors have moved out or abandoned their stalls due to a lack of customers and financial strain.”
Ogwal also highlighted additional financial burdens faced by vendors, including daily local revenue collections such as market dues, rent, trading licences, ground rent, parking fees, toilet rentals, garbage collection, and market cleaning expenses.
“All these costs are placed on vendors, yet we are not generating sales,” he said. He urged the government to consider reducing market fees and implementing measures to attract customers to all stalls and lock-ups.
Apili Nusura, a silverfish vendor, expressed frustration, stating that the market is failing to reduce poverty and is instead causing additional stress due to the lack of clientele and poor facility conditions.
Rolex Mebye, another vendor, noted that many traders have abandoned their market stalls and set up shop elsewhere due to the low customer turnout.
Sarah Oguta, who operates a restaurant in the market, cited poor sanitation, highlighting issues with the drainage system and limited water supply.
James Omara Elem, Lira City Secretary for Finance and Administration, acknowledged the challenges and assured that efforts are underway to address them.
He emphasised that the market has been a significant contributor to local revenue and assured that vendors’ concerns are being taken seriously.
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