Buikwe District, Uganda — September 3, 2025
Hon. Diana Mutasingwa, the Woman Member of Parliament for Buikwe District and State Minister in the Office of the Vice President, made a significant visit to Najjembe Market in Lugazi Municipality earlier today, where she met with traders, local leaders, and market committee representatives to address pressing governance concerns.
During her engagement, Hon. Diana highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among traders regarding the conduct and effectiveness of some market leaders. She emphasized the importance of adhering to the provisions of the Uganda Markets Act, 2023, which empowers vendors to democratically elect their own committee leaders to represent their interests across various departments.
“Uganda’s Markets Act, 2023 provides a clear framework for how markets should be managed,” Hon. Diana stated. “I urged the community to use the provisions of their Act to petition for fresh elections, allowing them to re-elect leaders transparently and restore trust in their market governance.”
The Uganda Markets Act, enacted in May 2023, replaced the outdated 1942 legislation and introduced sweeping reforms aimed at improving transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in market administration. Among its key provisions are:
Mandatory democratic elections for market leadership by vendors within designated sections.
Inclusion of women in leadership roles, with at least one position reserved for female representation.
Establishment of Allocation Committees to ensure fair distribution of stalls and pitches.
Prohibition of local authority employees from holding market stalls within their jurisdiction.
Following her visit to Najjembe, Hon. Diana proceeded to Njeru West in Kasanja Village, where she was warmly received by residents. She took time to listen to community concerns and reaffirmed her commitment to collaborative problem-solving.
“It is always a pleasure to engage with residents, listen to their concerns, and work together towards solutions that improve their livelihood,” she remarked.
Hon. Diana’s proactive approach to market governance and community engagement continues to resonate with constituents, reinforcing her role as a responsive and reform-minded leader in Buikwe District.
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