Adjumani leaders move to revive Shs 106mln Magburu livestock market

ADJUMANI, November 3, 2026 — Residents of Magburu village in Ciforo Subcounty, Adjumani district, have called on local authorities to reduce market dues and revive the abandoned Magburu Commodity and Livestock Market, saying the facility has the potential to boost household incomes and create employment opportunities.

The livestock market, constructed by CD, an Italian development agency, at a cost of more than Shs 106 million during the 2024/25 financial year, operated briefly before closing following complaints from traders over high market dues charged by the authorities.

Residents say reviving the facility would bring livestock buyers closer to farmers, stimulate animal rearing and provide an alternative source of income at a time when climate change is increasingly affecting crop production.

Betty Kamoyo, a resident who previously sold goods at the market, said traders were discouraged from doing business there because of the high charges imposed when the facility opened last year.

She appealed to Ciforo Subcounty authorities to review the market fees to attract more traders and buyers.

Willison Moriga, the Local Council II Chairperson, urged residents to embrace livestock farming and other productive activities in preparation for the market’s revival.

“Let us stop laziness and idleness in this community. Everyone should engage in productive activities to ensure the market attracts more buyers,” Moriga said.

Ciforo Subcounty LCIII Chairperson Emmanuel Drani said the sub-county council had resolved to reduce the market dues, adding that the facility would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity if properly managed.

“Let us own this market and ensure it transforms us economically. When you come to the market, do not come empty-handed. Let us embrace its reopening,” Drani said.

He explained that the facility would operate as a day market rather than a night market and pledged to prioritise its revival during his tenure.

His counterpart in neighbouring Ukusijoni Subcounty, George Andruga Origa, described the livestock market as a potential game changer for communities in the area, noting that its strategic location would also benefit farmers from his sub-county.

Andruga said allowing the facility to remain idle would amount to wasting public resources invested in its construction.

“Government invested taxpayers’ money, and seeing the market collapse just like that would not be right. We need to get value for money from this investment,” he said.

“Reviving this market would demonstrate accountability for what government has invested. It is now our responsibility to make good use of the facility. You asked for this market, and allowing it to remain idle does not make sense,” he added.

The district councillor representing Ciforo Subcounty also appealed to local authorities to introduce affordable market charges, arguing that the economic circumstances of residents require a more flexible approach to taxation.

He suggested that some local livestock farmers bringing animals to the market should be exempted from high charges to encourage participation and attract more buyers.

The councillor further cautioned residents against cattle theft, urging them to invest in their own livestock enterprises and build sustainable sources of income.

Adjumani district LCV Chairperson John Anyanzo Ambayo welcomed efforts to revive the market, saying its reopening would help restore commercial activity in the area.

He pledged to support the establishment of additional livestock markets in strategic locations across the district to expand business opportunities for farmers.

Ambayo also revealed plans to construct a bigger livestock market in Arinyapi Subcounty, which he said would help connect local livestock traders to markets in neighbouring South Sudan because of the area’s proximity to the international border.

Adjumani West Member of Parliament James Leku Pili said promoting livestock farming was among his priorities, particularly as climate change continued to undermine crop production and threaten agricultural livelihoods.

He urged residents to diversify their sources of income by investing in animal husbandry, saying the availability of a nearby livestock market would provide farmers with a reliable outlet for their animals.

“Animal rearing is very important because it helps you diversify your economy and address the effects of climate change. I personally appeal to you to embrace livestock farming because having a market nearby would help transform your livelihoods,” Leku said.

The revival of the Magburu livestock market is expected to provide farmers with a structured trading point, reduce the cost of transporting animals to distant markets and stimulate economic activity across Ciforo and neighbouring sub-counties.

https://thecooperator.news/adjumani-selected-to-host-2026-world-environment-day/

Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news