Kabale District Council has approved a motion to create and establish four new public markets in Katuna Town Council, Ryakarimira Town Council, Butanda and Maziba sub-counties.
The resolution was passed during the district council sitting on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with councillors saying the new markets will boost trade, increase locally generated revenue and provide organised trading spaces. The council was presided over by Speaker Flavia Nyinakiiza Kanagizi.
Under the proposal, Maziba and Butanda will have produce markets, while Katuna Town Council and Ryakarimira Town Council will establish livestock markets.
The proposed markets are expected to serve the growing population and expanding commercial activities in the four areas, particularly Katuna and Ryakarimira, which are experiencing rapid urbanisation and increased cross-border trade.
The council noted that the absence of designated and well-managed public markets has contributed to unregulated roadside vending, reduced revenue collection and challenges in enforcing public health, sanitation and trade standards.
The motion was moved by the Secretary for Finance, Administration and Planning, Akankwasa Miria Tugume. It was received by the District Male Older Persons Councillor, Richard Mporera, and seconded by the Male Workers’ Representative, Saturday Collins Kahesi.
Tugume said establishing the markets is in line with the Markets Act, 2023, which empowers local governments to establish, maintain and manage markets within their jurisdictions.
She said the markets would provide infrastructure that connects producers, traders and consumers while expanding the district’s revenue base.
She added that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader development agenda of promoting employment, strengthening productive infrastructure and improving local economic development.
The council resolved that the proposed markets must comply with the Markets Act, the Local Governments Act, the Physical Planning Act, public health requirements, environmental laws, land laws and procurement regulations. Tugume said properly planned markets would also help eliminate roadside vending, improve sanitation and restore order in the affected trading centres.
CUE IN TUGUME….ON THE MARKETS….RR/ENG//
