Published on 24/10/2025
The Head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, made a courtesy visit to Iganga Central Market to listen to and address the grevancies of frustrated market vendors who have long suffered under corrupt leadership.
The visit turned emotional as vendors poured out their grievances, accusing their market chairman, Elvis Tinaziraba, of exploiting them for years through fraudulent schemes. According to testimonies from the traders, Tinaziraba allegedly collected millions of shillings from vendors under false promises that they would receive loan capital from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Led by Kakaire Isma, chairman of the bicycle riders and abattoir section, the traders revealed that the embattled chairman charged each group Shs30,000 for registration and later Shs100,000 per file to process documents purportedly meant for funding. More than 400 groups were formed, yet none ever received the promised support or an explanation of how the collected money was used.
Hajjat Namyalo, visibly disturbed by the heartbreaking stories, expressed deep concern over the injustices faced by hardworking Ugandans at the hands of dishonest leaders.
“I cannot believe that people who are simply trying to earn an honest living have been exploited this way. It’s unacceptable,” she said.
She questioned how such corruption could flourish while local authorities looked on, vowing that her office, which is an office for the poor bazzukulu would not tolerate anyone who frustrates the President’s efforts to empower citizens.
In a bold move that drew loud cheers from the traders, Hajjat Namyalo ordered the immediate arrest of Chairman Tinaziraba and his accomplices. The Resident District Commissioner swiftly acted on her directive, and the suspects were detained pending investigations.
The ONC boss assured the market vendors that she would personally report their situation to President Museveni and ensure that they are supported under the government’s empowerment programs.
She also noted that many market vendors across the country have been left out of initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), promising to advocate for their inclusion.
“These market women and men are the backbone of our economy. They feed the nation, yet they have not been prioritized in funding programs. I will ensure His Excellency gets this message loud and clear,” Namyalo affirmed.
The visit turned into a powerful mobilization moment as Hajjat Namyalo urged the people of Iganga to stand firm with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the visionary leader who has consistently worked to uplift ordinary Ugandans from poverty.
“President Museveni will not abandon you. He will rebuild this market, empower your groups, and secure your future when he wins the 2026 elections,” she told the jubilant crowd.
Traders cheered and ululated, thanking Hajjat Namyalo for her courage and motherly heart. Many said it was the first time a senior government official had come down to listen to their concerns directly.
As calm returned to the market, the vendors praised President Museveni for having a dedicated and people-centered mobilizer like Hajjat Namyalo at the helm of the ONC, describing her visit as “a rescue mission that restored their hope.”
