ZOMBO ESTABLISHES NEW MARKET TO AVOID TRADERS MISTREATMENT IN DR CONGO

A section of traders in the new market.

By Mike Rwothomio

Zombo

Leaders in Zombo District have established a new market on a Ugandan territory at Awasi trading center in Jangokoro Sub County, to wade off increased reported forms of mistreatment of Ugandan traders at Awasi market in DR Congo.

The temporary market located in Busia and Ogwarunen villages, Yada Parish, Jangokoro Sub County shall be operational every Monday and Thursday and is open for traders from both Uganda and Congo.

According to the area leaders, the new Awasi Market will help in repurposing the underutilized border area, thus transforming it into a bustling centre of activity.

Lately, concerns have been mounting from Ugandan traders across Zombo District claiming being extorted, forced to sell commodities against their wish by DR Congo local authorities in Awasi market.

Sadiki Onencan, the district social services committee chairperson in an interview with Radio Pacis on Sunday 19 January, 2025, noted that the initiative is “to address mistreatment, safety and boost local revenue for our government,”

“We sat down for a meeting with our Ugandan traders and agreed to temporarily start the Market at Awasi Primary school playground, and on the first day last Thursday, they operated peacefully” said Onencan.

Two weeks ago, over fifty Congolese soldiers briefly invaded a Ugandan territory in Awasi trading center, claiming its ownership before Ugandan leaders in Zombo intervened to settle the matter.

This has raised red-flag over the move, viewed by leaders as total infringement of the international law on Territorial border by the DR Congo government.

David Binen Arua, the District Councillor of Jangokoro Sub-County, rallied community to support the newly established market, adding the Sub-county has commenced the process of acquiring land, for Permanent establishment of the market in Jangokoro Sub-County.

The Market supports the district’s effort of promoting the establishment of Markets in all the 15 lower local governments across the District, to offer a fertile ground for budding entrepreneurs and self-sustaining economy.

Binwengi Nasis, the district secretary of finance, planning and administration in a recent council sitting, recommended for acquisition of lands for establishment of a Ugandan market on a Ugandan territory, recounting repeated concerns raised by Ugandan traders who cross to DR Congo.

Tension along the Uganda and DR Congo border in Jangokoro Sub County, has been flaring up over a territorial boundary, where Zombo is undertaking a water drilling project with Congolese claiming its ownership.

Earlier , the  assistant RDC of Zombo  Bruno Manano, assured of guaranteed  security in the area , noting how diplomatic  relationship between the two Countries is  being handled  at  higher level.

A section of Local traders like Con Nyingambe and Prisca Awacango welcomed the idea of new market creation, all pointing at “extortion” by Congolese authorities in DR Congo’s Awasi market.

Ronald, a resident of Lelu, Jangokoro Sub-County received the news of creation of new market with joy, highlighting how he was repeatedly coerced by Congolese in Awasi Market, for not carrying a national identity card.

Slot Richard Odaga, a resident of the border town council of Padea, reported that most Boda Boda riders from Uganda, are trading with caution with DR Congo passengers, based on the reported frosty relationship between locals from the two countries.

The Resident District Commissioner of Zombo Festus Ayikobua, said on a local radio that they are engaging Congolese Authorities to settle misunderstandings between Uganda and DR Congo.

Local leaders say the territorial boundary being claimed by the Congolese authorities has been used by Uganda, through the Zombo District local government, for decades.

To offer Permanent solution to the ongoing border district, the LCV Chairperson of Zombo, James Oruna Oyullu, has called for the intervention of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Kinshasa government.

Oyullu also appealed for peaceful coexistence between Uganda and DR Congo locals.

Since the early 2000s, long-standing territorial disputes between Uganda and DR Congo have persisted, despite continuous efforts by both states to resolve them amicably.

Similarly, in May, 2023, Congolese locals took over three Ugandan villages—Acu, Oyaro, and Acu Cell—in Padea Town Council and Abanga Sub-County.

This stoked tensions in the community until authorities from DR Congo and Uganda convened a crisis meeting at Acu Village to resolve the matter.

Last year, the governments of Uganda and DR Congo held a significant joint technical committee meeting in Goma, DR Congo, aimed at reaffirming their common border, developing a comprehensive roadmap, and budgeting for the demarcation of the 817 kilometers of their shared border.

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to play a central role in executing crucial diplomatic engagements with DR Congo. These efforts are vital for maintaining peaceful relations and achieving a clear demarcation between the two countries.

According to Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, only 44.8 kilometers of the border have been reaffirmed to date.

This includes a 28-kilometer stretch from Offo/Vura and a 16.8-kilometer section from Sarambwe/Bwindi, reflecting progress but highlighting the extensive work still required to fully demarcate the entire border.