Lira City, Uganda: Lira Main Market, one of northern Uganda’s largest urban trading hubs, is undergoing a fresh wave of transformation as leaders and traders embrace digital commerce nearly a decade after its establishment.
Constructed at a cost of Shs28 billion under the African Development Bank-funded Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Programme (MATIP-1), the market has evolved from a major infrastructure project into a growing centre for financial inclusion and modern trade.
Completed in 2015 after being awarded to The Arab Contractors in 2011, the two-storey facility hosts over 1,874 stalls and 500 lock-ups, directly supporting about 3,500 traders and indirectly benefiting more than 5,000 others, with an estimated catchment of 80,000 residents.
Now, the focus has shifted from infrastructure to innovation.
A recent partnership between MTN Uganda through its Mobile Money (MoMo) platform and Lira City authorities has introduced a new phase of market revitalisation, including repainting, sanitation upgrades, branding, and digital financial literacy campaigns aimed at accelerating the transition to a cashless economy.
Lira City Mayor Sam Atul described the market as central to the city’s economic lifeline, noting that its continued relevance depends on adapting to modern trading systems.
“Lira Main Market is the heartbeat of our city’s economy. What we are seeing now is a shift toward digitisation, better organisation, and improved service delivery,” Atul said.
He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in driving urban transformation.
“When we modernise markets, we improve livelihoods. Government alone cannot do this—private sector collaboration is critical,” he added.
City leaders also cautioned that the success of this transition will depend on inclusivity, particularly for small-scale traders.
“This market was built for scale and dignity. We must ensure that every trader, regardless of size, benefits from these digital tools,” a city council official noted.
On the ground, traders say the changes are already reshaping business operations.
Many have embraced mobile money as a safer and more efficient alternative to cash transactions, reducing risks associated with theft while improving customer convenience.
“Before, I feared holding cash. Now mobile money makes transactions easier and safer,” said Sarah Akello, a vegetable vendor.
Others say the improved environment has helped attract more customers. “The repainting and cleanliness have brought new life to the market. Customers are returning,” added Patrick Opio, a hardware dealer.
However, not all traders have fully transitioned. Some, particularly older vendors, say they require additional training to adapt to digital platforms. “The system is good, but some of us need more support to understand it fully,” said Moses Okello, a grain trader.
Lira Main Market was originally designed to address congestion and informal trading while promoting organised commerce in the city. Today, its transformation reflects a broader national push toward digital financial systems and urban modernisation.
According to national trends, mobile money transactions in Uganda continue to rise annually, with millions of users relying on digital platforms for everyday trade—positioning markets like Lira as critical entry points for financial inclusion.
Despite the progress, challenges remain, including gaps in digital literacy, infrastructure maintenance needs, and uneven adoption of cashless systems across trader groups.
City authorities say the next phase will prioritise continuous trader sensitisation, enforcement of market standards, and sustained partnerships with the private sector.
As Lira Main Market evolves, it stands as a model of how traditional trading spaces can adapt to modern economic realities—bridging the gap between informal commerce and a rapidly digitising economy.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
