Pader Main market vendors restructure leadership, prioritize hygiene and sanitation

6 November 2025, 8:40 pm

By our reporter

Pader, November 6, 2025 — The Pader Main Market Vendors’ Cooperative association on Thursday held elections to restructure leadership gaps that had existed since 2015. The exercise, which attracted a large turnout of traders, took place at the Pader District Council Hall.

Speaking after the election, Michael Ojok, the Pader District Commercial Officer, urged the newly elected leaders to work together for the development of the market and the district at large.

“It has been 10 years since the last election, and I am hopeful that the structures created today will operate effectively to foster unity and development,” Ojok said.

Nighty Akello, who retained her seat as chairperson after running unopposed, pledged to prioritize hygiene and sanitation within and around the market. She said maintaining a clean environment and proper garbage disposal will be key to improving operations.

“My immediate priority is to ensure cleanliness in the market and to engage traders who hike prices unnecessarily, as this drives customers away. We must promote fair pricing that benefits both traders and buyers,” Akello said.

Anthony Toolanya, the Senior Community Development Officer for Pader Town Council, described the election as a new chapter for the market vendors.

“This is a new dawn for Pader Main Market. I encourage the new leadership to embrace good communication and inclusivity so that every trader feels represented. Unity is the foundation for progress,” Toolanya said.

The election results saw Nighty Akello retain her seat as chairperson, while Benson Kilama Toolit was elected vice chairperson with 47 votes, defeating Irene Akello, who garnered 21 votes. Juliet Akidi went unopposed for the position of secretary, among other posts filled.

During the event, the vendors received support from various leaders and political figures, including Komakech Christopher, the NRM candidate for MP Aruu County, who donated UGX 300,000, and Mark Odeba Odokonyero, who contributed UGX 50,000 in support of the group’s activities.