Bukoba market upgrade nears completion

KAGERA: TRADERS in Bukoba are being prepared to move into a 19.8bn/- upgraded market complex as construction reaches 65 per cent, marking a major step towards expanding commercial space in the municipality.

Kagera Regional Commissioner, Col Ramadhan Kido, made the remarks on Tuesday during a working visit to inspect various development projects being implemented in Bukoba Municipality.

He said early preparations would help avoid challenges that could arise if trader relocation was left until the last minute, urging authorities to ensure traders were ready to move immediately after the market was handed over.

“You should start preparations early and on time so that once the market is handed over, the traders can relocate to their designated areas immediately. Completion of the project is expected to provide a better business environment for traders and services to residents,” he said.

Meanwhile, Col Kido directed the contractor to speed up construction work to ensure the project is completed on time.

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Bukoba Municipal Director, Jacob Nkwera, said construction of the market complex, which began in October 2025, had reached 65 per cent completion and was scheduled to be completed in January 2027.

He urged traders to remain patient as construction progresses while preparing to return to their designated areas inside the completed market.

The upgraded market complex will accommodate about 1,848 business stalls, 234 modern shops, 12 butcheries and four offices, according to Mr Nkwera.

The facility will also include parking space for minibuses and small vehicles, providing additional facilities for traders and residents using the market.

The project is expected to provide a better business environment once completed, with traders set to relocate to their designated spaces after the facility is handed over.