Entebbe market vendors in Entebbe Municipality, are protesting a new ban on open-air markets, arguing it threatens their livelihood and could push them further into debt. The ban, which came into effect this week, that limits open-air markets to just one location, the Entebbe Central Market, which operates on Saturdays.
The move has left many vendors, particularly those who relied on the now-shuttered Kitooro Tuesday market, questioning how they will support themselves and their families. The Entebbe Municipality government claims the ban is necessary to protect vendors operating within regulated markets from unfair competition.
More so, this could help to boost revenue collection for the municipality. Mayor Fabrice Rulinda stated that despite the government spending Shs21 million monthly on Kitooro Market’s maintenance, they only collect Shs4 million in revenue.
“We collect only Shs4 million in revenue each month, which is insufficient,” Mr Rulinda said in an interview, highlighting the disparity between expenses and income. He also questioned why vendors would choose to operate in unregulated open-air markets when stalls inside government-regulated markets remain vacant.
However, vendors like Ms Nakabiri argue that the regulated market lacks the customer traffic of the now-banned open-air markets. They claim that moving their businesses there would lead to significant losses, making it impossible to support their families and meet financial obligations.
Ms Nakabiri, who already operates a stall inside Kitooro Central Market, shared her concerns saying that most time she spends a whole day without making any sale so when a Tuesday comes, she puts her stuff in open air to do some sales.
“Sometimes I spend the whole day without making a single sale. If they ban this Tuesday market, how will we support our families, especially those of us with bank loans?” she cried out. The frustration amongst vendors is palpable.
They claim to have attempted dialogue with municipal leaders, writing numerous letters that have gone unanswered. Mr Umar Katongole, Kitooro Market Vendors Chairperson, has issued a warning to the authorities while demanding to meet the mayor and town clerk.
“We want the mayor and town clerk to meet with us, otherwise, we are not leaving the streets.” He roared. This left many wondering whether their pleas will be heard or still they will fall on deaf ears of the Entebbe Municipality stakeholders.
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As the standoff between market vendors and the Entebbe Municipality continues, the future of these entrepreneurs hangs in the balance. It remains to be seen whether a compromise can be reached that satisfies both the authorities’ desire for revenue and the vendors’ need to earn a living.
