Business owners and residents in the Bunyoro sub-region are calling on the government to reopen weekly markets and border crossing points with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), saying restrictions imposed to contain the Ebola outbreak have severely affected their livelihoods.
The traders say the closure of markets and suspension of cross-border trade have disrupted business activities, leaving many families without a reliable source of income.
The restrictions were introduced in May after Uganda confirmed an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). As part of the containment measures, the government temporarily suspended cross-border movement with the DRC and closed weekly markets and livestock trading centres in parts of the Bunyoro sub-region.
The affected markets include Buseruka, Kigorobya, Hanga, Kyarushesha, Biiso, Buliisa and Kyaterekera in Hoima, Kikuube, Kagadi and Buliisa districts.
Joseph Kyamanywa, a businessman in Hoima District, said the closure of the markets and border crossing points has had a devastating impact on traders who depend entirely on commerce for their livelihoods. Collins Aheebwa, who trades with clients in the DRC, said the closure of the border has cost him millions of shillings because he can no longer access his customers.
Juliet Amanyire, a second-hand clothes vendor in Hoima City, said she relied heavily on weekly markets to sell her merchandise but has struggled to earn a living since they were suspended.Fred Mbabazi, a farmer in Kikuube District, said farmers are no longer able to sell their produce while traders have lost access to key markets, making it difficult for many households to survive.
Sam Ntambara, a livestock farmer in Buseruka Sub-county, Hoima District, said livestock markets were the main source of income for many families.He explained that before the restrictions, traders regularly sold cattle and goats to buyers from Uganda and the neighbouring DRC, but the suspension of livestock markets and cross-border trade has severely affected the local economy.
Rogers Rugyendo, a cattle farmer in Buliisa District, said many households depend entirely on livestock trading and appealed to the government to reopen the border to allow Congolese buyers to resume purchasing cattle.
Rose Nasande, a trader in Buseruka Sub-county, said the market closures have left her unable to pay school fees for her children because she no longer has a source of income.However, Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Godwine Angalia said the restrictions remain in force and urged traders and residents to remain patient while complying with all Ministry of Health guidelines aimed at containing the Ebola outbreak.
He said the government would only consider lifting the restrictions once health authorities determine that the public health risk has significantly reduced.However, Kikuube Resident District Commissioner Godwine Angalia said the restrictions remain in force and urged traders and residents to remain patient while complying with all Ministry of Health guidelines aimed at containing the Ebola outbreak.
He said the government would only consider lifting the restrictions once health authorities determine that the public health risk has significantly reduced. URN