Famous Malaba fish market near DRC border reopens

Maracha, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT |  Malaba Fish and Livestock border market in Maracha district has reopened more than two years after it was abandoned by vendors.

In March 2021, vendors abandoned the market and fled to the neighboring open market across the border on the DRC side after they were allegedly beaten by Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers during the enforcement of COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Although the local authorities made several attempts to revive the market over the past two years following the lifting of the COVID-19 Imposed restrictions by the government, the market didn’t reopen after traders who fled to the neighboring open market across the border on the DRC side declined to return to the market.

Godfrey Osutre, the LC III Chairperson for Paranga Sub-county explains that the absence of the once robust market greatly affected the operations of the sub-county since they were unable to generate local revenue.

According to Osutre, they have suspended the collection of market dues for at least four months in order to attract more vendors back to the market as they continue sensitizing them. He further notes that he is hopeful that the reopened market will be a relief to the locals who sometimes are harassed by Congolese authorities while selling their goods on the DRC side.

The market which is located at Malaba along the Uganda–Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) border in Paranga Sub-county, was constructed during the 2020/2021 financial year under the Discretionary Development Equalisation Grant (DDEG) program at a cost of 70 million Shillings.

Silver Drani, the councilor representing Oleba sub-county, told Uganda Radio Network that the return of the business in the market will be a major boost to not only local businesses in Paranga Sub-county but beyond.

“The long-awaited Malaba market has kicked on, thanks to Paranga sub-county leaders. This market will not only benefit the people of Maracha but also the neighboring Koboko district”, he noted.

Maria Candiru, a fishmonger at the market believes the reopening of the market will economically empower the local women whose businesses collapse following the two years of the market.

“We are very happy for the sub-county officials to reopen the market. Most of our women here lost their businesses since there was no market here”, she said.

Richard Drani, a livestock trader, welcomed the development noting that the newly reopened market will provide job opportunities in the livestock chain, especially for the unemployed youths.

“Our youths in Ajikoro Parish have been idle following the collapse of the market. I am confident many of the youths will now join the livestock business to earn a living”, Drani said.

The Malaba fish and livestock border market which operates on a weekly basis on Tuesdays and Fridays attracts vendors as far as Koboko district, Arua City, and Terego district.

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