By The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has called on town clerks from urban authorities to enhance service delivery in public markets by improving infrastructure and enforcing the Markets Act.
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Speaking during a meeting held at the Ministry headquarters with town clerks overseeing the Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Programme (MATIP) markets, Kumumanya emphasized the need for reliable access to water, electricity, and solid waste management to attract more vendors and increase local revenue collection.
“These improvements are not only vital for hygiene and operations but will also attract more vendors, enhance user satisfaction, and boost the financial returns from markets,” Kumumanya stated.
He also urged the town clerks to fully enforce the Markets Act, particularly the provision that eliminated the role of private landlords in government-owned markets. The clause was introduced to streamline market management, reduce conflicts, and ensure that public markets serve the interests of vendors and the wider community.
Kumumanya applauded Gulu City for restoring trade order in its markets and Arua City for registering significant growth in market revenue collection. He specifically highlighted Arua Central Market as a model for urban market performance.
According to Arua’s Town Clerk, Mr. David Kyasanku, the market’s success has been driven by deliberate investments in infrastructure. “We ensured constant access to water, electric city, and improved cleanliness by purchasing garbage trucks that collect waste daily. These amenities have made the market more attractive to vendors and customers alike,” Kyasanku explained.
Markets built under MATIP I and II have played a critical role in improving trade and livelihoods across Uganda. The government, through the Ministry of Local Government and development partners, continues to invest in urban markets as hubs for employment and economic growth.
Kumumanya concluded the meeting by urging town clerks to maintain these standards, pay outstanding utility bills promptly, and ensure that all government-run markets operate in line with national laws and policies.
The Ministry is expected to carry out regular inspections and support urban authorities in tackling persistent challenges such as power supply, waste management, and equitable vendor allocation in public markets.
