Aggrieved Vendors Block Cereleno Market Reopening

Aggrieved vendors have blocked the proposed reopening of Cereleno Market in Pece-Laroo division, one of the largest markets in Gulu City. Through their leaders, the vendors at Olayoilong Market have petitioned Gulu City authorities to stop all plans of reopening the market.   

‘’This letter serves to inform your office that, we the market vendors are not ready to tolerate re-opening of the former Cereleno Market as we are seeing the structures are being put in place,” reads the vendor’s petition.     

They have threatened to storm out of their markets and operate on the streets should the city authorities insist on reopening Cereleno Market. “If our complaints are not put into consideration, then all vendors are going to go for a peaceful demonstration on the street. That is to say, selling on the street. We are giving you 24 hours to respond, the December 15th, 2021 petition wards.

More than 1,000 vendors are registered under Olayoilong Market Vendors Association. These are part of the over 3,000 vendors who were evicted from then Cereleno Market last year following a dispute with the landowners.   

Francis Okello, the Olayoilong Market Vendors Association Chairperson told URN on Thursday that the vendors are opposed to the reopening of Cereleno Market based on the manner under, which they were evicted last year. He argues that the vendors suffered losses and expenses while relocating to the new market sites.

//Cue in: ‘’kit ma kiryemo…    

Cue out: …avoid inconvenience,’’//   

Alfred Okwonga, the Gulu City Mayor, who confirmed receipt of the petition, says that they are yet to engage the market authorities and leaders of the two divisions where the parallel markets are located.   

Patrick Oola Lumumba, the Mayor Bardege-Layibi division has asked Cereleno Market authorities to follow the right procedures if they want to reopen the market.