Kawuku Market Construction Kicks Off with Shs16 Billion Investment

The much-anticipated construction of Kawuku Market, valued at Shs16.7 billion, has officially commenced in Wakiso District. The project, operating under the umbrella of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP), was marked by a site handover ceremony led by the State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye.

During the ceremony, Minister Kyofatogabye urged local traders and leaders to shift their focus from political discourse to tangible development and wealth creation. He emphasized that individual and social progress, driven by income generation, are crucial for improving livelihoods, stating, “Political excitement alone cannot improve people’s livelihoods if they have no income.”

The minister further encouraged traders to adopt value addition techniques, maintain high standards of cleanliness within the market, and implement proper product packaging to enhance their market competitiveness. He also appealed to roadside businesses to contribute to environmental upkeep by paving the areas in front of their shops as road infrastructure is upgraded.

The GKMA-UDP, a significant initiative valued at approximately Shs2.2 trillion, is set to bring substantial development to the Wakiso District, with projects worth nearly Shs800 billion allocated. Wakiso’s Chief Administrative Officer, Jude Mark Bukenya, pledged the commitment of government workers to the project’s success, issuing a stern warning against any potential encroachment on the market facility.

Wakiso District Chairperson, Engineer Ian Kyeyune, highlighted the market as a component of a wider strategy to enhance social welfare, transport, trade, and employment within the district. The planned market facilities are extensive, including lock-up shops, restaurants, storage units, administrative offices, a daycare, a mini-bank, freezer rooms, modern sanitation, loading/offloading bays, ample parking, a waste management center, solar power, and a dedicated value-addition center.

The construction firm, Scaffold Engineering and Construction Limited, in collaboration with UB Consulting Engineers, has committed to delivering the project within the stipulated 12-month timeframe, aiming to create a safe, organized, and modern trading environment for hundreds of vendors and consumers. Traders have expressed optimism that the new market will improve their trading conditions and boost household incomes.

This new facility represents a significant stride in modernizing urban infrastructure and expanding economic prospects within the Greater Kampala metropolitan area. https://nilepost.co.ug/news/348449/shs16-billion-kawuku-market-construction-begins