Kibuku, Uganda: Residents of Kadama Town Council on Thursday, November 20, 2025, celebrated the commissioning of North Bukedi’s biggest and most modern livestock market, marking a major milestone under the UGX 592.6 million Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project funded by the Islamic Development Bank.
The project, constructed by M/S PQR International Logistics and initially expected to be completed in November 2023, was delayed by what District Engineer Dipuloma Fred described as “uncalled-for circumstances,” before final handover on August 12, 2025.
The new market features a veterinary office, cattle crush, loading ramps, seven water troughs, three poultry cages, a breastfeeding shelter, eatery, a VIP latrine, a drawn-wire perimeter fence, and a fully functional water system, making it the most advanced livestock marketplace in North Bukedi.
Presiding over the colourful commissioning ceremony, Local Government Minister Hon. Raphael Magyezi cautioned traders to respect Islamic Development Bank funding rules. “This money came from the Islamic Development Bank. If you want us to continue getting such support, do not slaughter pigs here and do not even bring your pigs into this market,” he warned.
He pledged several immediate government interventions, including a garbage truck for Kadama Town Council, a specialised truck for transporting livestock under the cooperative SACCO, solar-powered lights for the market, and a modern slaughterhouse to replace the current structure.
On rising livestock theft, Magyezi issued security teams a one-month ultimatum to arrest culprits, insisting that “the thieves are among you, help security identify them.”
Representing LEGS National Programme Manager Eng. Paul Mukasa Kasule, Ms Assumpta Tibamwenda said Kadama’s selection for the livestock market stemmed from long-standing community concerns.
“The nearest livestock market was in Namutumba or Kamuge, over 40 kilometres away, where farmers were cheated on prices and faced high transport costs,” she noted.
She also announced that LEGS Phase Two, approved and awaiting presidential launch, will deliver mega investments such as the UGX 5.5 billion Kapyani Irrigation Scheme and the Nangaiza Water Project to Kibuku.
Kibuku District LC V Chairperson Hajji Muhammad Nakeba, represented by Secretary for Production Bashir Nangheje, thanked the minister for his regular supervision of LEGS works and proposed naming some market buildings after Magezi and Tibamwenda for their commitment.
He highlighted LEGS achievements, including the Saala–Mikombe road upgrade, Goli-Goli bulking centre, Lake Lemwa restoration, livestock capacity building, and a dairy processing machine in Buseta.
Kadama Town Council Chairperson Nsenye Nathan Israel said the rapidly growing town of about 10,000 residents faces major challenges, including garbage accumulation, slow road opening due to inadequate funds, and poor drainage. He requested a garbage tractor, funding for full operationalisation of town councils, and salary enhancement for technical staff and elected leaders.
Kibuku Agricultural Development Cooperative Society treasurer and NRM district female councillor flag bearer, Naula Alice, said the cooperative, formed in 2021 with 300 members, will now have a proper trading hub, supported by its SACCO, which offers 10 per cent interest loans.
Resident District Commissioner Samuel Musiho reminded PDM beneficiaries to abandon the “nkolela kida kyonka” (working only for the stomach) mentality, saying they now have a ready market to support commercial production.
LC I Kadama Cell Chairperson Mbulalina Ibrahim thanked government for the market, PDM and Emyooga funds, but decried the lack of a government-aided seed secondary school, which forces children to walk long distances.
Minister Magyezi directed the district to file a detailed report on the school for onward submission to the Ministry of Education, assured that town councils will receive road maintenance funds next financial year, and encouraged the cooperative to seek additional capital from the Microfinance Support Centre.
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