Effective Collaboration Between KCCA & UNDP Brightens St. Balikuddembe Owino Market

Dorothy Kisaka, the Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), has conveyed her satisfaction with the notable achievements resulting from the partnership between KCCA and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at St. Balikuddembe – Owino Market.

The initiative, which began in August 2022, aimed to address key challenges faced by the market’s 20,000 vendors, including inadequate lighting and disrupted workspaces during the rainy season.

On December 13, during a joint monitoring visit to the market, Kisaka highlighted the significant investment by UNDP towards solarizing the market, resulting in 140KWH of lighting across eight zones with 90 shades. 

Kisaka who was represented by David Musunga the Deputy Director Production and Marketing said this transformative measure ensures extended trading hours and increased safety for vendors, combating both crime and the impact of inadequate lighting.

Through the partnership, workspaces have been improved through surface repairs and paving, covering approximately 2,200 square meters in the Coco Yard and Produce Zones. 

The positive impact of these upgrades on the trading experience of the 2,300 ‘mufuna mpola’ vendors was evident as they now have a stable ground for their merchandise.

Innocent Ejolu, leader of Partnerships and Innovation at UNDP, expressed gratitude to KCCA and underscored the organization’s commitment to the growth and prosperity of the market.

Ejolu encouraged the vendors to envision expansion, emphasizing the goal of nurturing exporters from this thriving marketplace.

Eng. Abbas Kirigwajo, Supervisor of Electrical Engineering, expressed the success of the solar lighting project, emphasizing its role in improving security, enhancing safety, and facilitating trading in the market’s eight illuminated zones.

This collaborative venture not only aligns with KCCA’s Smart City Agenda but also contributes to the Digitization, Innovation, and Smart Cities (DISC) program.

The partnership stands as a testament to the positive impact that strategic alliances between government entities and development partners can have on creating a conducive environment for trade and fostering the well-being of the people in the city.

The success story of the St. Balikuddembe – Owino Market reflects a shared commitment to sustainable development, and stakeholders look forward to further collaborations that will continue to uplift the city’s economic landscape.