Over 1,000 Kabundaire Market Vendors Relocated as Fort Portal Begins Major Upgrade

What the report says

Nile Post reports that more than 1,000 traders at Kabundaire Market in Fort Portal City have been moved temporarily as authorities start a major reorganisation of the busy public market. The upgrade is intended to improve sanitation, drainage and general conditions for vendors and customers, with traders shifted to a roadside trading area while works are carried out.

According to the report, the exercise followed a directive by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara during the launch of the National Clean-Up Campaign in Fort Portal. Planned works include removing old structures, building a modern public toilet, grading the market surface with murram, clearing drainage channels and improving sanitation facilities. Nile Post says the minister had inspected the market and found problems including accumulated rubbish, mud, congestion, blocked drainage and governance concerns related to market management.

Fort Portal Central Division Mayor Joram Bintamanya described the relocation as temporary and necessary to enable the improvements, while Town Clerk Majeran Luboyera said the division had mobilised emergency resources despite limited funding. Authorities have begun demolishing existing structures and implementing the minister’s orders, which included cleaning the market, opening drainage, providing a permanent toilet and addressing leadership and tender-related concerns.

The move matters because Kabundaire is among Fort Portal City’s largest public markets and supports more than 1,000 traders. Nile Post reports that some vendors welcome the planned facelift but are worried about the discomfort of roadside trading and whether everyone will be allowed back after the renovation. City leaders have said the traders will return once the works are completed.