By Henry Okello
TORORO
Business at Tororo Central Market came to a dramatic halt on Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 as vendors locked up their stalls and stormed municipal council offices, protesting what they described as exploitative rent fees and neglect by the authorities.
Carrying placards inscribed “High rates and rent” and chanting “Kiggwa Leero”, the traders demanded immediate intervention, accusing the municipal leadership of failing to address long-standing grievances.
David Musana, chairman of Tororo Central Market, said vendors have repeatedly raised concerns about high rental charges, poor lighting, and the flawed architectural design of the market, but their pleas have gone unanswered.
“We are paying too much for a market that is poorly lit. At night, customers fear to come here because it is dark and unsafe,” lamented Jessica Awor a vendor, adding that the dim conditions expose them to theft and discourage evening business.
Another trader echoed the frustration:
“The council keeps increasing rent, yet we work in darkness. Even simple bulbs are not fixed. How can we survive under such conditions?”
Musana further criticized the practice of forcing new vendors to clear arrears left by those who vacated the market, calling it unfair and exploitative.
In response to the unrest, Deputy RDC Tororo District, Albert Amula, announced the suspension of rent payments for the month, urging vendors to reopen the market while council committees deliberate on solutions.
Tororo Municipality Mayor, Kenneth Orono Nyapidi, while addressing the media today confirmed that council committees were meeting to resolve the matter but accused Musana of politicizing the demonstration.
“The market is for trade, not politics. Vendors should use this critical season to make money instead of halting business,” Nyapidi said, assuring traders that while rent rates are under review, arrears will remain payable.
