TENSION IS GROWING AMONG ONDUPARAKA MARKET VENDORS OVER STALLED MARKET CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

By Onzoma Albert

Arua City

Market vendors at Onduparaka Community Market are threatening demonstrations due to the stalled construction of the UGX 1.6 billion market project.

The six-month construction, launched in July 2025, aimed to transform the dilapidated market that has been neglected for over 15 years.

Funded by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the modern facility was to feature two blocks, an annex, a store, and sanitary amenities, constructed by Ashanti Business Services Uganda Ltd.

Vendors, including Harriet Ajidiru, expressed deep disappointment over the project’s halt, citing the numerous challenges they face daily.

“If the project will not be completed as promised to us we shall strike because we vendors cannot continue to suffer due to rain which may as well cause for us malaria,

“The leaders told us clearly during the launch of the project that, between March and April we were going to start using the new market. I am just disappointed because the project has stalled” she said.

Similarly, Emily Asara, another vendor, emphasized that vendors plan to petition the Ayivu Division and Arua City Councils; if their concerns go unaddressed, they will proceed with demonstrations.

“The leaders told us that the project was supposed to be completed in February but now the project has stalled. We lack proper storage facilities, we are disturbed by rain always, we have planned as vendors to write letter and petition the relevant authorities over the project and they must explain to us why the project has stalled because the project was fully funded” she said.

According to the site foreman, Sam Alua of Ashanti Business Services Uganda Ltd, that is undertaking t project implementation, financial challenges are the main cause of delays, expressed hope for project resumption.

“The construction work stalled because of financial challenges but we are soon expecting the money before we can be able to resume with the construction works” he said.

The project, originally scheduled for completion by January 2026, has since stalled, extending beyond the initial deadline.

The delay has significantly affected vendors, especially during adverse weather conditions such as rain, strong winds, and intense sunshine. Current temporary structures fail to provide adequate shelter, storage, or sanitation.

Vendors complain about leaking roofs, lack of storage facilities, and insufficient sanitary amenities. These conditions have led to increased tension, worsened by Arua City Council’s enforcement of strict trade orders and clearing of road reserves in April 2026, making it harder for vendors to operate outside the temporary market.

The new market was expected to improve the business environment by offering safer, cleaner, and more dignified working conditions.

However, the stalled construction has left vendors in a difficult situation, triggering urgent calls for city authorities to address and resolve the delays promptly to avoid further unrest.

The Onduparaka Market project’s suspension due to financial difficulties has severely impacted vendors’ livelihoods, prompting plans for protests unless the stalled construction recommences and the challenges faced by vendors are addressed swiftly.