Traders Demand Re-Opening of Hoima Hardware Market

More than 1000 Traders in Hoima Under their Umbrella, Hoima Hardware Markert Traders Association have petitioned the office of the Hoima Resident District Commissioner-RDC demanding for the immediate re-opening of the Hoima Hardware Market.   

The Hoima Hardware market that accommodates mostly traders dealing in second hand clothes was closed on March,17,2020 by security operatives in conjunction with Hoima Municipal authorities.  

The market was closed following a directive by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to guard against the speard of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

At the time it was closed, the market had no hand washing facilities put in place and the traders were not observing the social distancing strategy put in place by the government to combat COVID-19.   According to the traders, ever since the market was closed, life has become unbearable for them since they entirely depend on the market for survival.  

The traders contend that whereas other hand to mouth income earners whose businesses were closed due to COVID-19 were accorded a special attention and given relief food, they were not considered to date something that has made life difficult.  

They say they have now spent close to three months without working adding that they have spent all the capital they had a situation that could compel them forcefully get on the street to resume business.  

Vicent Sseguya, the Chairperson Hoima Hardware Market Association has appealed to the office of president to immediately intervene and rescue the situation.   He says that they are ready to comply and respect all the guidelines issued by the president in fighting COVID-19 like compulsory wearing of face masks, installing hand washing facilities and observing social distance while at the market. 

//cue in;”Ensonga enkuru tuli…  

Cue out:….Naba mobile traders.”// 

Juliet Ahebwa, a vendor in the Market says she has completely failed to look after her three children since the only money she had saved got finished during the three months she spent not working.  

Samuel Kisembo, the Hoima Resident District Commissioner says as security committee they are yet to sit and forge a solution to the Trader’s petition.  He further revealed that they will first engage the top management of the market before any other step can be taken.