Locals in Kotido irritated as multimillion-shilling market left to rot

KOTIDO, June 5, 2025 –– A market formerly located in Greater Panyangara Sub-county, Kotido district, now lies idle and deteriorating, eight years after its official commissioning.

Following the creation of Kotido Municipality, the market was reallocated to Loletio Sub-county. However, it is also being claimed by South Division in Kotido Municipality due to an unresolved boundary dispute between the two local governments.

As a result, the market has been left to decay. Stalls are now overgrown with bushes, the animal loading point is crumbling, and the once-spacious grounds lie unused—much to the frustration of local residents eager to utilise the space for business.

Andrew Lomelie, Chairperson of South Division, expressed concern over the impact the market’s abandonment has had on household incomes and local revenue. “The market was a vital source of income for our community, and its abandonment has been a significant blow,” he said.

The neglect has led to a sharp drop in revenue collection for South Division, with local authorities reportedly losing millions of shillings.

Some residents are now appealing to the district leadership to reassign the market to South Division, citing the economic potential it holds for the local community.

Lomelie argues that placing the market under South Division’s management would breathe new life into the area. “The market is a valuable asset and should be managed by the community that actually needs it,” he said. “Loletio residents have their own trading centre far from here and prefer to use that, rather than travel over 5 kilometres to this market.”

Kizito Eriama, a local businessman, echoed these sentiments, describing the current state of the market as a waste of public resources. “There’s no value for money in this project since it is not being used,” he said. “We need to revive the market and make it work for our community.”

Alice Auma, a youth leader and trader, emphasised the need for secure storage space. “I struggle to find a place to store my commodities, and yet there are empty stalls just sitting there,” she said. “If the market were operational, I could safely lock away my goods and run my business with peace of mind.”

Efforts to obtain clarification from Loletio Sub-county officials and district production authorities have so far yielded no conclusive answers. Authorities claim they are still in the process of “harmonising the boundary demarcation situation”.

The derelict market stands as a stark reminder of the community’s untapped potential. With proper management and investment, it could serve as a vital economic hub, generating income and fostering entrepreneurship in the region.

Residents of South Division remain hopeful that the district will heed their call and reassign the market to them.

“I believe that with the right management, the market could be transformed into a thriving commercial centre that benefits the community and contributes to the local economy,” Auma said. “With the right approach, the market could be revitalised, and we could finally reap the benefits.”

Lomelie added, “The market’s abandonment has had a ripple effect on the local economy. Many businesses are struggling, and the general decline in economic activity has lowered living standards. People are finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet.”

The business community in South Division is eager to see the market restored and has expressed a willingness to collaborate with district authorities to make that vision a reality.

https://thecooperator.news/graft-alleged-in-allocation-of-lockups-and-stalls-in-masaka-city-markets/

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