Zombo Launches New Market to Protect Traders from DR Congo Harassment

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Leaders in Zombo District have established a new market on Ugandan territory at Awasi Trading Center in Jangokoro Sub-County to address the reported mistreatment of Ugandan traders at the Awasi Market in DR Congo.

The temporary market, located in Busia and Ogwarunen villages in Yada Parish, Jangokoro Sub-County, will operate weekly on Mondays and Thursdays. It is open to traders from both Uganda and DR Congo.

According to local leaders, the new Awasi Market aims to repurpose the underutilised border area, transforming it into a bustling hub of economic activity.

Concerns have been mounting from Ugandan traders across Zombo District, who report being extorted and forced to sell commodities against their will by DR Congo authorities in the Awasi Market.

Sadiki Onencan, the district’s Social Services Committee Chairperson, stated on Sunday, January 19, 2025, that the initiative aims to address mistreatment, ensure trader safety, and boost local revenue for Uganda.

“We held a meeting with our Ugandan traders and agreed to temporarily start the market at Awasi Primary School playground. On the first day, last Thursday, the traders operated peacefully,” Onencan said.

Rising Tensions Along the Border

Two weeks ago, over 50 Congolese soldiers briefly entered Ugandan territory at Awasi Trading Centre, claiming ownership of the area. Zombo District leaders swiftly intervened to settle the matter, raising concerns about the infringement of international law by DR Congo authorities.

David Binen Arua, the District Councillor for Jangokoro Sub-County, urged the community to support the new market. He revealed that the sub-county has initiated the process of acquiring land for a permanent market in Jangokoro.

The establishment of this market aligns with Zombo District’s efforts to promote market creation in all 15 lower local governments, fostering entrepreneurship and building a self-sustaining economy.

Efforts to Secure Trade and Territory

Binwengi Nasis, the district’s Secretary for Finance, Planning, and Administration, recently recommended acquiring land for a Ugandan market to address traders’ grievances.

Tensions along the Uganda-DR Congo border in Jangokoro Sub-County remain high, especially around a contested territorial boundary where Zombo is undertaking a water drilling project claimed by DR Congo authorities.

Assistant RDC Bruno Manano assured residents of security in the area, emphasising ongoing diplomatic efforts to manage relations between the two countries.

Local Reactions

Local traders, including Con Nyingambe and Prisca Awacango, welcomed the new market, citing relief from extortion by Congolese authorities.

Ronald, a resident of Lelu in Jangokoro Sub-County, expressed joy over the new market, recounting his repeated harassment in DR Congo’s Awasi Market for not carrying a national ID.

Slot Richard Odaga, a resident of Padea Town Council, reported that boda boda riders from Uganda now trade cautiously with Congolese passengers due to the frosty relations.

Calls for Intervention

Zombo RDC Festus Ayikobua announced on a local radio station that engagements with Congolese authorities are underway to resolve misunderstandings.

LCV Chairperson James Oruna Oyullu has called for intervention by Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Kinshasa government. He also appealed for peaceful coexistence between locals from both countries.

Historical Context

Territorial disputes between Uganda and DR Congo have persisted since the early 2000s. In May 2023, Congolese locals occupied three Ugandan villages, prompting crisis talks between the two nations.

Last year, Uganda and DR Congo held a joint technical committee meeting in Goma to reaffirm their border and develop a roadmap for its demarcation.

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to lead diplomatic efforts, with 44.8 kilometres of the 817-kilometre border reaffirmed to date.

This newly established market underscores Zombo District’s proactive steps to protect Ugandan traders and foster peaceful, economic collaboration with DR Congo.

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