Adjumani Residents Urge Authorities to Reopen Idle Magburu Livestock Market

Residents of Magburu Village in Ciforo Sub-county, Adjumani District, are mounting pressure on local authorities to reopen the abandoned Magburu Livestock market. Constructed during the 2024/2025 financial year by the Italian development agency Cooperation Development at a cost of Shs106 million, the facility operated briefly before shutting down due to trader complaints regarding exorbitant market dues.

Locals argue that reviving the marketplace will significantly improve livelihoods by bringing buyers directly to farmers, cutting down transportation costs to distant trading hubs, and offering a reliable alternative income source as unpredictable weather patterns continue to disrupt traditional crop farming.

Local leaders have responded positively to the community’s demands. Ciforo Sub-county LC3 chairperson Emmanuel Drani announced that the local council has resolved to lower market fees to entice more traders. Meanwhile, Ukusijoni Sub-county LC3 chairperson George Andruga Origa emphasized that leaving the taxpayer-funded facility idle is a waste of public resources that undermines local economic development.

Adjumani District LC5 Chairperson John Anyanzo also endorsed the reopening, hinting at broader district plans to establish additional livestock markets, including a larger facility in Arinyapi Sub-county geared toward cross-border trade with South Sudan. Adjumani West MP James Leku further encouraged constituents to embrace animal husbandry as a vital adaptation strategy against climate change, ensuring that a functioning local market will provide a secure platform to sell livestock and transform rural economies.

For more details, read the original report on Daily Monitor.