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Kateshumbwa riding a bicycle carrying matooke after the market opening
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By Our Reporter
Sheema – Sheema Municipality Member of Parliament, Hon. Dickson Kateshumbwa, has officially commissioned the new Itendero Matooke Market located in Nyabuhaama Cell, Ndeebo Ward, Kakango Division.
The market was constructed by Sheema Municipal Council to address long-standing congestion challenges faced by matooke traders at the old market in Itendero Town, which lacked sufficient space for vendors and customers. Sheema District—particularly the Itendero area—is widely known across the country for producing large quantities of matooke, making the new market a crucial addition to support farmers and traders in the region.
During the commissioning ceremony, the market chairperson, Mr. Nuwagaba Patrick, raised concerns about the lack of water, electricity, and security at the new market, noting that these issues were hindering smooth operations.
In response, Hon. Kateshumbwa pledged to provide four solar lights and a community water tap to help address the immediate shortages of power and water.
“Ndeebo Ward has long faced water shortages due to limited supply by the municipality,” Kateshumbwa said. “As leaders, we have engaged the National Water and Sewerage Corporation, which is now constructing a water booster in Kibingo to help resolve these challenges.”
Kateshumbwa touring the newly constructed Itendero Matooke Market
He further urged the municipal council to allocate funds for the construction of toilets, the installation of additional solar lights, and the fencing of the market to create a safe and conducive working environment.
Kateshumbwa also commended local leaders for protecting government land, emphasizing its importance in facilitating development projects. He revealed that he has lobbied for all government-owned land in the municipality to be titled to safeguard it from encroachment and ensure proper use.
“I want to thank the leaders for jealously guarding government land. Such land is vital for supporting government programs and projects. I have also lobbied for all government land to be titled to avoid illegal occupation,” he said.
He encouraged traders to work together, improve their household incomes, and initiate income-generating projects. He also challenged local leaders to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.
“We’ve had chaos in markets across the country due to corruption, poor leadership, and a lack of separation of powers. I call for transparency, and I urge the council to introduce tax policies that support traders to earn a living.”
Sheema Municipal Council Deputy Mayor, Nakarisa Rukia, said the council is committed to further developing the area surrounding the market.
“We are going to ensure that this area is developed to support the traders and the community at large,” she said.
The new market is expected to generate approximately UGX 11 million in monthly revenue.
Torch Media Africa
