Mabunu: The market which took Valentine's closer to Ntungamo people

Rwemihanga village in Ntungamo district hosted its first ever Valentine’s Day. What started as an exciting advert on Mabunu Market day on January 29, proved its worth when, on February 14, a lovers’ festival, with fireworks and five musicians from western Uganda, entertained residents till the wee hours of the morning.

The community market was created in September 2021 through the innovation and mobilising efforts of Joshua Tayebwa.

He quit his job in G&C Tours (U) Ltd, a tourism company in Entebbe and came to Rwemihanda with a dream. Tayebwa mobilised residents to lease him land on which he started a free market for residents every last Saturday of the month. It is located between Mbarara in Ntungamo, about oneand-a-half kilometres from Nyamukana trading centre and 1km before Itojo.

It is 8km before Ntungamo town. He called the market Mabunu as a marketing gimmick.

“Mabunu is just a marketing gimmick. We chose a name that people could talk about. When you hear the name, you just want to go and find out what is there!” Tayebwa explains.

Mabunu in the area local language means big buttocks. The word amabunu is often used in praise of a shapely woman in song, rhyme and romance.

Mabunu Market, which sits on nine acres, has not only galvanised trade and household income in the area, but also offered Tayebwa a
ready monthly audience to gather villagers in knowing each other, sharing business ideas, entertainment and recently, a Valentine’s Day festival.

Residents were happy to see Mbarara-based musicians such as Emily Kikazi, Mat Henry and Lady Diana, plus their popular MCs; Kachaina and Selecta Medotex. There were also lots of games and prizes. It was all free except for the 10 couples who booked places for the VIP tent.

Asked about whether he gains on his investment, Tayebwa says time has not come for him to make a profit.

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