Construction of new Mpigi market set to start

Traders in Mpigi Town Council, Mpigi District, have expressed optimism following the signing of a Shs.13 billion contract for the construction of a modern market. The market will replace the dilapidated structure built in 1960. The old market, sitting on 1.092 acres in the heart of Mpigi Town, has long been criticised for its poor construction, limited space, inadequate sanitation, and inability to accommodate all vendors comfortably. Many vendors have been forced to operate outside the market premises.

The contract was awarded to Hebron Investments Limited, with UB Consult appointed for engineering supervision. The project is expected to run for a year, according to Mpigi District Chief Administrative Officer Edith Namayega. “The contractor should work with the population within Mpigi for smooth construction works and think of casual workers from Mpigi,” she said in interview on Tuesday. The initiative falls under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP), a government-led effort to upgrade urban infrastructure and boost economic activity in surrounding areas of Kampala.

Mr Ronald Kazibwe, the Mpigi District commercial officer, described the project as a mega boost for the town which pushes for elevation to become a municipality.

“This is a major government-led achievement aimed at upgrading the existing market. It will help our people increase their household incomes and provide a market for their goods and services,” he said.

Currently, the market hosts 663 vendors but suffers from overcrowding and poor facilities. The new facility will expand capacity to 860 vendors, with a focus on agricultural produce, value-added products, and promoting both day and night economies.

Mr Kazibwe added that the upgraded market will serve traders and buyers from at least three districts of Mpigi, Butambala, and Gomba.

“A market allocation committee will verify all the traders to avoid chaos in the arrangement. We need sanity in our market, not daily wars caused by disorganised traders,” he said.

He added that the vendors will be temporarily relocated in two to three months, once a temporary workspace is established on a designated piece of land currently used by the works department in Mpigi Town Council. Traders have stressed the importance of fair relocation processes and a seamless transition after construction of the market.

“All vendors will return to the new market and get stalls before new entrants are considered,” he added. Mr Kazibwe highlighted additional improvements: “All access paths to the new modern market are going to be tarmacked and there is free land around. We hope to get it for a well-organised taxi park and nice parking space, which are currently not available.”

Ms Monica Edemachu Eju, the undersecretary in the Ministry of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, emphasised accountability.

“The contractor needs to know that this programme is for results and if we say that the contract is for 12 months, we don't want to hear of re-evaluation,” she said. The project is anticipated to enhance trade, improve sanitation, and support local livelihoods in the area.