Uganda in partnership with the European Union, Danish Embassy, and TradeMark Africa, has commenced construction of the country’s first climate-smart, gender-sensitive cross-border market at Elegu Town Council, Amuru District, in a project expected to transform regional trade.
The sh 41 billion facility to be built by Ambitious Construction Company Limited on an 11.5-acre site in Lorikowor West Cell, will be completed within 24 months is designed to withstand floods and wildfires.
The market aims to end decades of losses suffered by traders due to recurring natural disasters.
Amuru District LCV Chairperson Michael Lakony said the groundbreaking fulfilled a 2018 Memorandum of Understanding between TradeMark Africa and the Ministry of Trade, terming it “a dream come true” for local farmers and traders.
“This market will open up opportunities for our farmers and business people to reach international buyers,” Lakony said..
TradeMark Africa Deputy CEO Allen Asimwe said the market’s design was informed by a 30-year climate study to ensure disaster resilience. “We are building with resilience in mind so that traders never again lose their goods to preventable calamities,” she said.
EU Chargé d’Affaires Sanne Willems revealed that the Elegu facility is one of 12 strategic African trade corridors under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to dismantle tariff and non-tariff barriers. The market will be raised two meters above ground and prioritise women and youth participation.
“By raising the market two meters above ground, we are literally and figuratively giving trade a higher platform,” Willems noted.
Danish Ambassador to Uganda Signe Winding Albjerg reaffirmed Denmark’s support for trade infrastructure, calling commerce “the lifeblood of economic growth.”
First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, representing Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja, projected at least a 30% increase in cross-border trade once the market becomes operational. “This means more jobs, more income, and more prosperity for our people,” she said.
Currently, Elegu market hosts about 1,500 traders, 80% of them women, handling imports and exports worth over USD 220 million annually.
The project is located in Elegu Town Council and involves extensive civil and structural works.
The development comprises three major market structures, alongside several ancillary facilities such as an administration block, a restaurant, rainwater harvesting tanks, a day-care Centre, and other support structures. In addition, the project scope includes comprehensive external works, as well as complete internal and external electrical and mechanical installations.