Uganda: After 11-Year Wait, Construction of Shs20 Billion Wakiso Market Finally Begins

The long-awaited construction of Wakiso Central Daily Market has finally commenced, 11 years after President Museveni first pledged to establish a modern market for traders in the district.

The Shs20.3 billion project, which is being implemented under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP), was officially launched during a groundbreaking ceremony attended by government and district leaders.

The development was welcomed by traders who have spent years operating in congested and inadequate conditions while waiting for the promised market to become a reality.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Under Secretary in the Ministry of Greater Kampala Metropolitan Affairs, Monica Edemacu, used the occasion to caution local governments against delays in implementing government-funded projects, warning that poor absorption of funds has in the past forced government to redirect resources meant for critical infrastructure.

"Government has on several occasions been forced to recall funds because some districts fail to implement projects within the required timelines. This affects key infrastructure such as roads, markets and drainage systems, which are vital for community development," Edemacu said.

Her remarks come as government continues to invest heavily in urban infrastructure under the GKMA-UDP programme, which aims to improve service delivery and support economic growth across the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.

Edemacu also warned contractors against exploiting local communities through delayed or non-payment of workers recruited for project activities.

"It is wrong for contractors to hire local people and then deny them payment. Contractors should treat citizens fairly and respect the communities where they are working," she said.

The Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, urged traders to prepare to make the most of the new facility by maintaining proper hygiene and professional standards once construction is completed.

"A clean market attracts customers. Vendors, especially those dealing in food, should maintain personal hygiene and keep their workspaces clean to encourage more people to buy from the market," Kyofatogabye said.

He also encouraged traders to dress smartly and maintain a professional appearance to improve customer confidence and enhance the image of the market.

Wakiso District Chairperson Ian Kyeyune called on the contractor to deliver quality work that reflects the scale of government investment being made in the project.

"We want a market that wi