Uganda’s Market Act 2023: Revolutionizing Vendor Management and Empowering Market Communities
In a significant stride toward modernization and inclusivity, the Parliament of Uganda recently passed the Market Act 2023, effectively replacing the outdated Market Act of 1942. The new law is a comprehensive framework that aims to address the long-standing challenges faced by vendors, market communities, and the overall management of markets.
The previous legislation, the Market Act of 1942, had been in place since the colonial era and lacked provisions for the effective management of vendors and their involvement in market affairs. This outdated law often led to bureaucratic hurdles, limited transparency, and insufficient support for vendors. Recognizing the need for change, the Ugandan government embarked on a process to develop a modern and comprehensive legal framework that would address these shortcomings.
The Market Act 2023 brings about a fundamental change in the way vendors are treated and engaged in market governance whereby there is the inclusion of vendors in decision-making processes. The law mandates the establishment of vendor committees, comprising elected representatives, who will actively participate in market management and decision-making. This newfound involvement empowers vendors, ensuring that their perspectives and needs are considered, ultimately leading to more effective and responsive market administration.
According to Section 19(1), of the Market Act 2023 states that, each market must have clearly defined sections that are organized based on the types of goods and services offered in the market, and also subsection (2) states that either a government-appointed administrative authority or a private market operator will be responsible for assigning and organizing the sections within a market under their jurisdiction.
Subsection (3) also further mandates that vendors within each designated section, as mentioned in subsection (1), will democratically elect a department leader and a deputy leader from among themselves. It is required that at least one of these positions be held by a woman.
Section (21) of the Market Act 2023 stipulates that the allocation of workspaces, shops, pitches, and stalls in public markets will be handled by an allocation committee appointed by the administrative authority.
The committee’s composition, functions, and mandate will be determined by the administrative authority, ensuring representation from the local governing body responsible for the area where the public market is located. The allocation committee will be responsible for outlining, designating, and allocating the aforementioned spaces, unless a person has already been allocated a workspace, shop, pitch, or stall by the committee. Individuals intending to conduct business in a market must submit an application to the allocation committee using the prescribed form as specified in the regulations.
Section 27 of the Market Act establishes that operating a market in violation of the license conditions is considered an offense. Upon conviction, the offender may face a fine of up to one hundred and twenty currency points, imprisonment for a maximum of two years, or both.
Similarly, Section 28 addresses the offense of providing false statements or information while applying for a license under the Act. Those found guilty may be subject to a fine not exceeding sixty currency points, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Furthermore, Section 30 states that assuming the identity or characteristics of a market administrator with the intention of performing unauthorized actions is deemed an offense. The convicted individual may be liable for a fine of up to twenty-four currency points, imprisonment for a maximum of six months, or both.
These provisions in the Market Act 2023 aim to enforce compliance and deter fraudulent practices within the market sector, ensuring fair, lawful operations and placing a strong emphasis on the effective management of markets. Market authorities are now entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining proper infrastructure, ensuring hygienic conditions, and improving overall facilities for both vendors and customers. Adequate mechanisms for dispute resolution and grievance redressal have been put in place to ensure fairness and accountability within market communities. This proactive approach to market governance is expected to foster a more conducive environment for vendors to thrive.
To streamline operations and facilitate efficient market management, the Market Act 2023 introduces a comprehensive system for vendor registration. Vendors will be required to register themselves and their businesses, providing necessary information for identification and record-keeping purposes. The registration process aims to formalize the sector, allowing for better monitoring, resource allocation, and targeted support to vendors. By ensuring compliance with health, safety, and taxation regulations, the law sets the stage for a more regulated and sustainable market ecosystem.
The Market Act 2023 also recognizes the importance of supporting market communities as a whole. The law stipulates the creation of funds to facilitate infrastructure development, skills training, and capacity-building programs for vendors. Additionally, it promotes collaboration between market authorities, local governments, and other stakeholders to foster innovation and entrepreneurship within market communities. These initiatives aim to uplift vendors’ socio-economic status, strengthen local economies, and create a conducive environment for thriving marketplaces.
The enactment of the Market Act 2023 in Uganda marks a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward progressive market governance. By replacing the outdated Market Act of 1942, the new law ushers in a modern era of inclusive market management, empowering vendors and fostering vibrant market communities. As the implementation of the law unfolds, it is expected to bring about positive transformations in Uganda’s markets, unlocking the true potential of vendors and contributing to the overall socio-economic development of the nation.
