No More Sleep! Minister Balaam Orders Urgent Revamp Of Fort Portal’s Kabundaire Market

Fort Portal: The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateeny, has directed Fort Portal City authorities to urgently improve the condition of Kabundaire Main Fresh Food Market, citing the need to provide traders and the public with a clean, safe and dignified trading environment.

In a letter dated July 30, 2026, addressed to the Town Clerk of Fort Portal City, Minister Balaam said he had been informed that progress on the planned improvement of the market had stalled, prompting him to elevate the project to an emergency priority.

“I have since been informed that progress has stalled. This situation requires urgent attention,” the Minister said.

He directed city authorities to immediately undertake three key interventions at the market.

These include the construction of a public toilet, removal of accumulated rubbish and waste, and laying murram on the market grounds to improve accessibility and sanitation.

According to the Minister, the improvements are expected to significantly transform the working environment for traders while making the market more functional for members of the public.

“These interventions will provide traders and members of the public with a clean, safe, and dignified working environment while improving the market’s functionality and enabling Fort Portal City to generate more local revenue,” he said.

Minister Balaam further directed that once the physical improvements are completed, authorities should review the existing market management contract to ensure that it is aligned with the improved standards and serves the interests of both the city and its traders.

The directive comes at a time when markets remain an important source of livelihood for thousands of Ugandans while also providing local governments with revenue to support service delivery.

The Minister also emphasised the need for consultation and inclusiveness in decisions concerning the project.

He directed that all decisions relating to the improvement project be made in consultation with market traders, Fort Portal City leadership, as well as the City and Central Division Mayors.

The approach, he said, is intended to promote transparency, inclusiveness and shared ownership of the project.

Minister Balaam has also set August 15, 2026 as the date for his visit to Fort Portal to inspect progress on the project.

He consequently told the city authorities to ensure that substantial work has been completed by the time of his inspection.

“I will be in Fort Portal on 15 August 2026 to inspect the progress of this special project. I therefore expect substantial progress by that date,” he said.

The directive places Fort Portal City authorities under pressure to move quickly on the long-awaited improvements, particularly on sanitation, waste management and accessibility at one of the city’s key fresh food markets.

The Minister copied the directive to the Minister of State for Local Government, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Commission in Charge of Markets, the Mayor of Fort Portal City, the Central Division Mayor and the Deputy Town Clerk of Fort Portal City