Shs113.5 Million Market in Nebbi Stands Empty as Traders Prefer Roadside Stalls

In Nebbi Municipality, a significant public investment appears to be going to waste. The Namrwodho Market, built at a cost of Shs113.5 million and featuring stalls, piped water, latrines, and a livestock enclosure, has been completely abandoned by traders since its completion in 2019.

Despite the modern amenities, vendors continue to conduct their business along the dusty Namrwodho-Koch road, just 200 meters away. Here, women roast maize under the sun, and produce is displayed on tarpaulins, creating a vibrant, albeit informal, marketplace.

Residents suggest the market’s failure is due to several factors. Initially, high market dues that local traders found unsustainable drove them away. Furthermore, the market’s location, perceived as too far from main routes and lacking nearby amenities like kiosks, deterred customers. The combination of these issues, along with unregulated dues, led traders to abandon the facility.

Local leaders acknowledge the failed initiative. Rashid Apii, LC III Chairperson for Thatha Division, expressed frustration that the gazetted market is empty while roadside markets, which do not pay dues, are thriving. The division is now considering repurposing the facility into a livestock market.

Nebbi Municipal Council is also exploring solutions. Deputy Mayor Howard Musa stated that repeated attempts to persuade vendors to relocate have been unsuccessful. The council has resolved to facilitate community dialogue with the traders and enforce a ban on roadside selling to prevent accidents. They also plan to seek government approval to operate the facility as a livestock market, given its existing infrastructure.

The situation highlights the challenges of ‘white elephant’ projects – costly public investments that fail to meet their intended purpose. The unused market represents a loss of potential revenue for the municipality, while roadside trading, which is not officially gazetted in this area, continues to flourish just meters away.

It remains to be seen if community dialogue and enforced regulations will finally bring activity to the Shs113.5 million market and ensure a return on the public’s investment. Source: Nile Post