Shs600 Million Kibuku Fruit Market Becomes White Elephant

The Sala fruit market in Kibuku, a Shs600 million government investment aimed at modernizing fruit trade, has become a costly non-starter. Months after its commissioning, the facility lies largely idle, with farmers and vendors abandoning it due to significant losses.

The market was designed to provide a better trading environment for over 200 vendors, moving them from makeshift roadside structures to a more formal setting. However, vendors raised immediate concerns about the lack of essential amenities such as water, electricity, adequate parking, and safety measures like road humps, which are crucial given the market’s location along a busy highway.

Farmers report that the market’s hidden location deters passing motorists, their primary customers. This inaccessibility has led to produce rotting before it can be sold, forcing many vendors to return to informal trading spots in areas like Kadama. The financial losses have been substantial, with many reporting they could barely sell anything.

Local officials acknowledge the challenges. The Senior Commercial Officer mentioned plans to potentially repurpose the facility into a crafts center, with hopes of integrating fruit vendors later if successful. Despite assurances from district leaders and former directives from the State Minister for Local Government to rectify defects, the market remains underutilized.

Further complicating the situation, the market’s design specifications indicate it can only accommodate 100 stalls, far fewer than the more than 300 vendors who previously operated informally. While plans for additional stalls were discussed, the fundamental issues of location and accessibility continue to plague the project, leaving the community frustrated.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/rotten-fruits-empty-stalls-kibuku-s-shs600m-market-turns-white-elephant-5578824