Arua City, Uganda – May 2, 2025
Barely a month after the passing of Mr. Dada Nelson, the former Chairman of Arua City Main Market, tension is brewing between market vendors and city authorities following a controversial incident that left several traders locked inside the market premises.
According to eyewitnesses and affected traders, the incident occurred late Wednesday evening when city authorities shut the market gates, allegedly in a move to enforce time management regulations. The decision sparked outrage among vendors, many of whom were still packing up their goods when the gates were closed.
“This has never happened before,” said a tearful vendor who asked to remain anonymous. “Since Chairman Dada died, we feel abandoned. There’s no one to speak for us, and this is how we are being treated.”
Other traders echoed similar sentiments, lamenting that the absence of strong leadership has left them vulnerable to what they described as heavy-handedness by market management.
“This market used to run smoothly when Mr. Dada was alive. He would have never allowed this kind of treatment,” said another vendor.
The late Mr. Dada Nelson, who passed away in early April, was widely regarded as a unifying figure and a strong advocate for vendor rights. His sudden demise has reportedly created a vacuum in leadership, with many traders feeling unrepresented and voiceless in ongoing decisions.
Efforts to get a comment from Arua City authorities were unsuccessful by press time. However, a source within the market management who declined to be named confirmed that the closure was part of a new enforcement initiative to ensure vendors adhere strictly to closing hours.
As tensions rise, vendors are calling for immediate dialogue and the appointment of a new, representative leader to help mediate between them and the authorities.
“This market is our livelihood. All we ask is to be treated with dignity,” a vendor pleaded.
The incident has ignited fresh debate on market governance and the urgent need for transparent leadership structures that protect the rights and welfare of traders in Arua City.
