MBARARA CITY, July 25, 2025 –– Dennis Wandera, Director of Planbuild Technical Services, has reaffirmed his commitment to redeveloping the ageing Makhan Singh Market in Mbarara City. Addressing members of the Mbarara Makhan Singh Market Landlords Association [MMMLA] on Saturday, Wandera described Planbuild, a construction company, as a partner ready to support the landlords’ vision of a modern market that promises increased income and sustainability.
“Our role is to help you achieve a dream, one that will improve your income,” Wandera said during an extraordinary assembly. “We are ready to contribute what we can, but if you are not equally committed, it’s risky to begin this journey [redevelopment of the market] only to stop midway.”
Wandera stressed that the project could not proceed without collective commitment from the landlords. He challenged the approximately 600 members to raise Shs 7 million each, contributing to the required 10 percent owners’ equity.
“This is not much considering the structure we aim to build. Even if we make no profit, we are willing to partner with you, but each party must honour their obligations,” he said.
He warned against starting without readiness: “If you’re not ready, don’t start, because we’ll be eaten by lions on the way. We won’t earn anything unless the project is completed, so we need full commitment now.”
Progress and challenges
According to Thomas Mukundane, Chairman of MMMLA, membership certificates were distributed on July 23, 2025, with allocation based on national identification numbers [NINs]. These certificates will determine unit allocation post-construction.
Mukundane also confirmed that Beatrice Okello Akero, State Minister in the Office of the Presidency for Economic Monitoring, has provided a commitment letter supporting the project’s launch. The association partnered with Planbuild after failing to raise the 10 percent equity required by Afrexim Bank, whose criteria include a US$ 10,000 profitability and US$ 100,000 turnover, beyond the group’s capacity.
Planbuild redirected capital originally meant for a cancelled Kapeka project to support this partnership.
The demolition timeline was also confirmed: “From 25 to 30 July, landlords will remove doors, iron sheets and other property. On July 30,2025, we will officially hand over the site and launch the groundbreaking with Minister Okello Akero,” Mukundane announced.
However, capital mobilisation remains a major hurdle. With development loans attracting 6–8 percent interest annually, many members are hesitant. Mukundane urged landlords to concentrate on raising the 10 percent equity, essential for attracting external funders like AGRA and Afrexim Bank.
He also raised concerns about internal “negative forces” aiming to derail the redevelopment, driven by selfish interests.
Despite the challenges, he reaffirmed his role:
“As a steward, I will implement what the general meeting agreed. Anyone relocating should coordinate with me; I will ensure sufficient security on July 30, 2025.”
Dissent and division
Some members expressed dissatisfaction with the process. JohnBosco Tumwiine alleged that non-members had been unfairly included in the association’s executive. Abas Rugundana, Chairperson of Mbarara Makhan Singh Vendors, criticised Mukundane’s leadership, noting that fewer than 100 members had made payments for construction.
However, Bonnie Kashaija, a landlord, defended the redevelopment, stressing the long-term value it would add to their properties.
Jackline Kankunda, Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Mbarara City North, urged landlords to put development above politics.
“You are sabotaging your own development,” she said, comparing the deteriorated Makhan Singh Market with newer facilities in the region. She reminded tenants not to interfere with landlord decisions and warned Planbuild to maintain transparency and deliver quality work, noting past failures by contractors.
In a twist, Simon Ejua, Deputy Town Clerk of Mbarara City, halted demolition plans, instructing both parties to resolve outstanding disputes before any further action.
Background
Makhan Singh Market, among Mbarara City’s oldest, hosts over 1,000 vendors daily. Established in 2007, the MMMLA has 508 registered members. The market sits on 1.67 acres under a 49-year lease expiring in August 2060.
The planned ultra-modern facility will accommodate 639 units, including kiosks, shops, butchers, offices, a police post, and a recreation centre, with capacity for over 5,000 people daily.
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
-
-
-
-
