Hoima Authorities Warn of Arrests Over Illegal Market Stall Deals

What the report says

Hoima City authorities have moved to reclaim control over disputed stalls at Hoima Central Market, reopening 30 stalls and starting a fresh registration of vendors after complaints that some local leaders had taken over government-owned spaces. The action, reported by Nile Post, followed allegations that city leaders and councillors had allocated stalls to themselves and then charged traders fees well above the official rates.

Resident City Commissioner Badru Mugabi led the operation with enforcement officers and legal officials. He said traders would now be required to deal directly with the city council rather than intermediaries, and warned that anyone refusing the directives or continuing to occupy stalls irregularly could face arrest. City officials said some of the disputed stalls had been locked for about two years before being reopened and reassigned.

According to the report, the alleged arrangements involved leaders securing stalls for about Shs60,000 per month and then subletting or charging vendors between Shs100,000 and Shs150,000, depending on location in the market. The cleanup came after a directive from Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, following complaints from vendors.

City Deputy Town Clerk Conerius Jobile said the intervention was grounded in the Local Government Market Act, while the market’s LC1 chairperson welcomed the move as relief for struggling traders. The case highlights broader concerns about access, accountability and management in public markets, especially where vulnerable vendors depend on affordable space to do business.