The Government of Uganda, in partnership with the European Union and the Embassy of Denmark, has officially launched a €9.8M (Shs 41B) project to construct a modern, flood-proof, and inclusive market in Elegu Town Council, Amuru District, Uganda’s third-largest informal trade gateway into South Sudan.
The project aims to transform the trading landscape, particularly for women, youth, and persons with disabilities, providing safe, year-round business opportunities while strengthening cross-border trade.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, Minister of State for Trade, Gen. Wilson Mbadhi, described the launch of the Private Resilient and Gender-Responsive Cross-Border Market as a major milestone for Uganda’s trade and economic growth.
Representing the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Gen. Mbadhi emphasized that the market will empower small-scale traders and enhance ties with neighboring South Sudan.
He lauded the European Union for its support, highlighting that the project goes beyond infrastructure to create opportunities for value addition and sustainable economic growth.
Reflecting on his earlier engagements with traders during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gen. Mbadhi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to boosting household incomes, export-led growth, and the full monetization of the economy.
He urged traders to collaborate and leverage the new market as “a platform for peace, trade, and prosperity.”
The European Union’s Head of Green Transition and Private Sector, Sanne Willems, hailed the project as a game-changer for cross-border trade between Uganda and South Sudan.
She said the market will eliminate flood-related shutdowns, provide safe spaces for 1,500 traders, and include daycare, banking, and wheelchair-accessible facilities, while boosting women’s participation in trade.
“This project is part of Team Europe’s Global Gateway Strategy, aimed at strengthening trade, jobs, and peace along Corridor 11 (Cairo–Khartoum–Juba–Kampala),” Willems said.
She noted that South Sudan is one of Uganda’s largest export destinations, with USD 99.9M in informal trade recorded in 2023, and that 81% of women traders halt at Elegu due to safety, distance, and poor infrastructure. Seasonal floods have also repeatedly disrupted business.
Under the Small-Scale Cross-Border Trade Enhancement Programme, Team Europe has mobilized USD 11.5M (EUR 10M) for both infrastructure and trader support.
Investments include three market sheds for 1,500 vendors, flood mitigation works, a daycare centre, an access road, and water and waste management facilities.
Trader support will involve capacity building for small traders and border officials, improved access to finance, and peacebuilding initiatives to strengthen relations between the Elegu–Nimule communities.
Willems emphasized that the market’s long-term success will rely on good governance, regular maintenance, and inclusive management. She added that the initiative is part of the EU’s broader Global Gateway strategy, focusing on human development, peace, security, and sustainable growth.
The European Union, Denmark, and TradeMark Africa are collaborating closely with the Ugandan government, local leaders, and traders to ensure sustainable operations, faster movement of goods, and higher incomes for border communities.
Willems concluded that the Elegu market marks a significant step toward a thriving future for cross-border trade in Uganda, with continued EU support assured.
