Bukedea, Uganda — Tensions flared at a Bukedea Town Council meeting this afternoon as councilors voiced growing concerns over the continued non-payment of market dues by the current cattle market tenderer, with arrears now totaling UGX 120 million over the past five months.
The council is seeking urgent clarification from the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) on whether the Bukedea Cattle Market operates under centralized or decentralized management. Allegations indicate that the market tenderer has failed to remit any funds to the Town Council since May 2025, despite a contractual obligation to pay UGX 24 million monthly.
The issue was raised by Councilor Umar, who described the situation as a serious threat to the Town Council’s financial stability. “If this continues, the market will collapse,” Umar warned, urging immediate intervention from the Town Clerk to safeguard council revenue.
Town Clerk Acknowledges Disorganization
In response, Johnson Opolot, Town Clerk of Bukedea Town Council, admitted that he inherited a disorganized system upon assuming office. He noted that part of the problem stems from existing policies linked to church oversight and pledged to seek guidance from the CAO. “I found everything disorganized when I assumed office. Part of the problem stems from existing church policies,” Opolot explained. He confirmed that the tender contract is due to expire at the end of the current financial year.
Council Calls for CAO Guidance
Hellen Amunyo, Speaker of the Town Council, advised members to await technical guidance from the CAO before taking further action, urging patience despite the frustrations expressed by councilors. Meanwhile, LCIII Chairperson Sam Engole expressed sympathy for vendors, confirming that high taxation and a lack of transparency are creating challenges for local traders. “Vendors are suffering. The tenderer even prints his own unofficial receipts, which contributes to the lack of transparency and accountability,” Engole noted.
District Councilor and District Speaker Juma Emong Showna emphasized that the market had long been decentralized, encouraging the Town Clerk to formally confirm its operational status with the CAO. Such clarification, he argued, is critical to resolving ongoing disputes and ensuring proper management of the facility.
Councilors Demand Accountability
Several councilors went further, advocating for the immediate termination of market operations, claiming that the tenderer has been the sole beneficiary while taxpayers gain nothing. The frustration reflects broader concerns among local leaders about financial mismanagement and the potential long-term impact on revenue collection.
Efforts to contact the market tenderer, Isaac Epilo, were unsuccessful, as his phone was reportedly switched off at the time of reporting. Council members remain hopeful that the CAO’s forthcoming guidance will clarify the status of the market and outline next steps to address the accumulating arrears.
Implications for Bukedea Town Council
The Bukedea Cattle Market represents one of the town’s most critical revenue-generating facilities. The current impasse not only threatens council income but also undermines confidence among local vendors and taxpayers, who rely on fair and transparent operations.
With arrears now standing at UGX 120 million, the council faces increasing pressure to act decisively. Resolution of the dispute will determine whether the market continues to operate under the current tenderer or if new management arrangements must be instituted.
Council members have indicated that they will take further steps once the CAO provides official guidance, which could potentially reshape the operational and financial management of the Bukedea Cattle Market. In the meantime, the community watches closely, awaiting action that could secure accountability, transparency, and stability for one of the district’s key commercial hubs.
