Gulu city traders demand 'fair share' of govt support

__________________

Vendors at Gulu Main Market, under their umbrella body, the Gulu City Traders Association, have expressed frustration over the lack of support from both government and local leaders, saying they have been abandoned.

The vendors aired their concerns during an engagement meeting with Pece Laroo Division Member of Parliament, Reverend Father Charles Onen, held to explore ways of lobbying for financial support.

The outcry followed complaints from several business operators at the market who said they are struggling due to a lack of capital, yet have received no assistance from leaders or government programmes.

Margaret Atim, who sells silverfish (Mukene) and other fish at the market, said the absence of financial support from government and leaders is crippling their businesses.

“Our business is not growing because leaders are not taking our voices to the government. We need to be supported financially like any other business people who are benefiting from the Grow Project that gives funds for business,” she said.

Charles Odida, chairperson of the Gulu City Traders Association, noted that vendors, traders, and VSLA groups at the market have never received any support to grow their businesses, despite repeated calls for help.

Odida also highlighted the plight of older traders who have been mentoring younger vendors, saying they, too, remain unsupported.

“These vendors and some of their businesses have collapsed due to financial constraints. I request our leaders to take our pleas to the government so that we are supported for our business to grow and to chase household poverty,” he said.



Reverend Father Charles Onen, the area MP, encouraged traders to mentor young people into entrepreneurship rather than steering them only towards formal employment.

Onen donated sh13 million to the traders to boost their businesses and urged other leaders to support vulnerable groups within their communities.

“I urge you people of Gulu City, don’t wait—start something that can earn you money, and form groups so that supporting you becomes very easy through government programmes like PDM, Grow Projects and others that benefit the community,” he said.

Onen also called on the government to renovate Gulu Main Market, noting that some sections remain incomplete according to architectural plans, and that waste management at the facility continues to pose serious challenges.