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The 1.5-kilometre stretch is being tarmacked in phases due to limited funding from the municipal budget
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By Our Reporter
Bushenyi
Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality officials have embarked on tarmacking the road leading to Kabagarame Weekly Pork Market, located in Ruharo Ward, Central Division — a move expected to boost both tourism and local revenue. The roadworks, which began last week under the leadership of Mayor His Worship Richard Byaruhanga, are currently about 30 percent complete. The 1.5-kilometre stretch is being tarmacked in phases due to limited funding from the municipal budget.
Mayor Byaruhanga said the road construction aims to improve access and strengthen the municipality’s taxi base, noting that Kabagarame is one of the top sources of local revenue.
“Kabagarame is among the best sources of revenue for the municipality. Improving its road access will support both the transport sector and the traders who depend on it,” he said.
An arial view of Kabagarame Market
A regional pork hub
Established over 25 years ago, Kabagarame Weekly Pork Market has grown into what is widely regarded as the best pork market in western Uganda. Operating exclusively on Saturdays, the market attracts hundreds of customers from within Uganda and neighboring countries such as Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The market is famed for selling only fried and roasted pork, served in grass-thatched huts built in a traditional style with a modern touch. This unique setup has not only boosted its popularity but also earned it recognition as a local tourism attraction.
Every Saturday, the otherwise quiet village of Kabagarame transforms into a lively hub of culinary activity, supporting vendors, transporters, pork suppliers, and casual workers in the area.
Locals normally enjoy kalo and pork at the saturday market
Challenges persist
Despite its growing fame and economic significance, Kabagarame Weekly Pork Market continues to grapple with several persistent challenges:
Lack of Electricity: The absence of a stable power supply hampers operations, especially for vendors who need refrigeration or lighting during early morning and evening hours.
No Perimeter Fence: The market remains unfenced, exposing it to security risks and making crowd management difficult.
Fire Outbreaks: In recent years, the market has experienced fire outbreaks, raising concerns about safety and the lack of fire preparedness — including extinguishers and emergency protocols.
Traders and local leaders have repeatedly appealed for support from both the municipality and the central government to address these issues and secure the market’s long-term sustainability.
Torch Media Africa
