Paidha market vendors ban  political campaigns inside market premises

By Mike Rwothomio

The leadership of Paidha Central Market vendors Association, in Paidha town council, Zombo District, has banned politicians from holding Political  campaigns  within the market premises without the leadership’s greenlight.

Paidha Central Market has over 1000 registered members most of whom are women,  trading under different smaller groups.

The leadership  cited  disorganization, chaotic scenes and rampant theft amongst other unruly activities orchestrated during political campaigns by gangbangers who disguise as usual voters.

 The statement came out during a  thanksgiving ceremony, organized by the LCIII chairperson of Paidha town council Innocent Godfred Onega, at Paidha cultural center.

Jerose Acirocan, the Association’s  chairperson whilst  issuing  the statement, called  upon political aspirants to accord  the vendors their deserved respect, noting of their pivotal role in revenue generation  to the government.

Acirocan noted that for long, they have been degraded and used by Politicians for their Political gains and disappear living them, unattended to.

“To you the Politicians who under rate us the vendors, listen to me well, we the vendors we don’t fear any body, now the leadership of the market is with us, we have decided to stop any political campaigns inside the market  with immediate effect” Acirocan stated the strongly worded message amidst applause from the hundreds of market vendors.

She on the flip side noted that ” we shall see into it and green lit you upon following procedures with the leadership “

Some of the vendors accused many politicians of  capitalizing  on their numerical strength and influence to gain political mileage especially during election periods.

This statement is coming at a time when political atmosphere is heating to the core, in the lead- up to 2026 polls.

Apparently, the ruling  National Resistance Movement party is systemizing  up for it’s inhouse nominations and aspirants are combing all corners,  galvanizing for support.

Amos Jacan Cole , a businessman along Ofaka road  opposite Paidha Main Market who double as Zombo District youth chairperson, calls upon Politicians to listen to the voice of market vendors,  highlighting their revenue contribution towards the town development.

Meanwhile Innocent Godfred Onega, the LCIII chairperson of Paidha town council, notes of a year-long  cordial working relationship with the Paidha Market vendors, assuring of working together with them.

Onega highlighted  the year-round continuous support of Market vendors in development of the town, noting that in a bid to blossom their businesses, they have installed street lights for them in their different night selling spots.

The linkage between Politics and bussiness  in Uganda is  usually clear,  and it’s nearly impossible for either parties to operate without the other.