Onion Traders Resist Market Relocation Over Infrastructure Concerns

NTUNGAMO, July 9, 2026 - Onion traders in Rwentobo-Rwahi Town Council have opposed plans to relocate them to a new market site in Katooma, warning that poor infrastructure, difficult terrain and limited basic services could disrupt one of western Uganda’s largest produce trading centres. The traders have been directed to vacate their current market by August and move to the new location, but they argue that the proposed site is unsuitable due to its steep landscape, poor road access, insecurity concerns and inadequate sanitation facilities. Rwentobo-Rwahi has for years served as a major onion collection hub, attracting farmers, buyers and traders from Ntungamo, Kabale, Kisoro, Rukiga and neighbouring districts. The market supplies onions to different parts of Uganda and neighbouring countries, supporting the livelihoods of more than 1,000 people. Traders say relocating the market could increase transport costs and affect the movement of trucks carrying produce from farms to major markets, including Kampala. They also argue that the hilly nature of the new site will make it difficult to construct storage facilities and create challenges for loading and offloading vehicles. Some traders have started moving to the new location in phases despite their concerns. However, they maintain that the relocation process lacked sufficient consultation and could negatively affect business operations. Local authorities acknowledged challenges at the new site, including limited electricity, poor sanitation and difficult terrain, but said the available land remains the only option to accommodate the growing onion trade. Officials said improvements to roads and sanitation facilities would be implemented gradually as traders settle at the new market. The relocation is intended to improve market organisation, prevent unplanned construction of storage facilities and support better physical planning in the growing trading centre. Authorities said the expansion of onion business activities requires a larger and more organised market space, adding that the transition would be carried out in phases while infrastructure improvements continue.