Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have decried lack of accessibility to Busia market. Mr Walukhu, a Councillor representing PWDs at Busia Municipal council said that the facility doesn’t have mobility provision for the disabled.
“We thought PWDs were among the beneficiaries but this is not the case as market lacks ramps that grant us access. The embankments placed on the sides of the market; North and South gates, make it hard for those using wheelchairs to move,” said Mr Walukhu.
The representative accused the planners and contractors for constructing a modern multi-billion market without catering for PWDs. The Sh 24billion Busia Main Market was constructed in 2019 sits on a 40-acre piece of land in Marachi on the Kenyan side of the border, which adjacent to the One-Stop Border Post. It has over 2,000 stalls. The market is also fitted with modern facilities such as freezers to help with preservation of perishable goods such as fish, vegetables, and fruits.
Illicit trade
Mr Muzamiru Bogere, also a PWD, said although he applied for a stall in the new market he has not verified if he is among the beneficiaries since he cannot access the facility. Mr Bogere, who ekes out a living from illicit trade across the border from Kenya, said he was planning to abandon the trade for legitimate business at the new market.
“I have on several times been arrested and my goods impounded by Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) enforcement officers. The new market is an opportunity for me to quit smuggling but it lacks inclusiveness,” said Mr Bogere.
Busia Town has many PWDs, majority of whom are involved in illegal goods from Kenya into Uganda. This has, however, left many in direct conflict with enforcement officers from the tax body.
On his part Mr Hassan Bwire Opio, the outgoing Busia Town Mayor, disputed the claims and said that the market has ramps which makes it accessible to everyone including PWDs. He explained that the lack of accessibility is caused by the construction of roads around the facility.
