KASESE – A brewing conflict between Mawa Market vendors and Kasese Municipality authorities has taken center stage as the government moves to implement a new “zoning system” designed to revive struggling markets in Nyamwamba Division.
Mawa Market has officially emerged as the dominant commercial hub in Kasese Municipality, characterized by high foot traffic and extensive array of goods. However, its success has come at a steep price for neighboring markets. Markets such as Nyakasanga, Habitat, and Kitoro all located within Nyamwamba Division have faced near-total collapse as both vendors and customers flock exclusively to Mawa market.
To address this economic imbalance, municipal authorities announced a zoning policy that will restrict certain products to specific markets, effectively forcing a redistribution of trade.
The announcement has met fierce resistance from Mawa Market vendors, who view the move as a direct threat to their livelihoods.
Kimeze Richard, the Chairperson of Mawa Market Vendors, urged the government to focus on infrastructure rather than relocation. He noted that instead of enforcing zoning, authorities should prioritize basic necessities, such as constructing more toilets and improving overall sanitation within the market.
In response to these concerns, the LC III Chairperson for Nyamwamba Division, Mr. Pimako Kasereka, assured vendors that the zoning system is not a penalizing measure but a strategic one. According to Kasereka, the move is essential to decongest Mawa Market and breathe life back into the other markets such as Nyakasanga, Habitat, and Kitoro markets.
Backing the administrative shift, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kasese, Lt. Joe Walusimbi, issued a stern warning to the technical wing. He called upon civil servants to implement the “New Trade Order” with transparency and integrity.
Despite the friction over the zoning policy, the central government has shown commitment to improving the physical environment of Mawa Market. Recently, a government-funded project saw the construction of a 51 million shilling roof shade aimed at protecting vendors and their merchandise from harsh weather conditions.
