Vendors Abandon UGX 20 Million Market Stall in Oyam Over Poor Construction

Vendors in the Oyam Town Council Main Market have abandoned a UGX 20 million market stall constructed under the Agricultural Cluster Development Project (ACDP) in 2022, citing poor construction and structural defects that hinder business operations.

The market stall, which was expected to boost local revenue collection for Oyam Town Council by generating up to UGX 10 million quarterly, has instead become a source of frustration for vendors. According to them, the stall is poorly designed, with inadequate space, leaky roofing, and faulty drawers that cannot be locked, exposing their goods to theft.

Santa Ayo, the chairperson of Oyam Town Market Vendors, said the stall cannot accommodate both vendors and customers due to its cramped nature. She revealed that the structure can only house 68 vendors, yet the market has 120 members. “The stall is too squeezed. We had no choice but to abandon it. Now, stray animals like goats are the ones enjoying the space,” Ayo said.

She added that all market vendors have since moved outside the stall and are now operating in open spaces. Atim Susan, a vendor at the market, said her business is frequently disrupted by rain due to lack of shelter. “We have nowhere to display our goods when it rains. Our businesses are disorganized for the whole day whenever it rains,” Atim lamented.

Stephen Okello, the LCIII Chairperson of Oyam Town Council and Secretary for Finance, acknowledged the vendors’ concerns. He admitted that the market stall was poorly constructed, explaining that no contractor was formally hired and that the work was done “locally.”

“The structure needs renovation, especially the roofing and expansion. Unfortunately, the council has not yet budgeted for this,” Okello said. He noted that although the market stall still brings in some revenue, around UGX 2 million quarterly, it is far below expectations. 

Okello said the town council is currently lobbying development partners for funding to either renovate the existing stall or construct a new one. Despite the challenges, the toilet facility built alongside the market stall is still operational and serves the vendors.