Pader Town market vendors raise concerns over security and poor hygiene

27 April 2026, 11:09 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

Vendors in Pader Town Market have expressed concern over increasing security threats and poor hygiene at the market.

Christine Akello, one of the vendors, raised concerns about stray animals roaming freely in the market. She said many community members around the market allow their animals to move unchecked, which disrupts traders and compromises hygiene.

Akello also cited cases of theft in the market, noting that such incidents negatively affect traders and hinder business growth. She further reported incidents where money lenders allegedly harass or fight traders who borrow from them, saying the situation is hurting vendors.

Evaline Abalongo blamed security personnel for what she described as unnecessary arrests in the market. She said that in many cases, incidents are not first reported to market authorities, leaving them unaware of what is happening.

Abalongo also raised concerns about workers from the abattoir who have reportedly relocated their activities closer to the market area. According to her, the situation has created unhygienic conditions for vendors. She warned that poor hygiene practices among some abattoir workers could contaminate meat and pose a risk to the wider public.

Another vendor, Sunday Abur, blamed the market tenderer for poor sanitation. He questioned whether the town council authorities are demanding too much from the contractor, noting that the market is often left dirty, with theft cases and foul smells coming from areas where animals are slaughtered.

Responding to the concerns, Mark Lamson Okello, the Town Clerk of Pader Town Council, said plans are underway to redevelop the market into a modern facility in the coming months.

On the issue of theft, Okello urged traders to remain united and vigilant before involving the police, emphasising the need for traders to look out for one another.

Regarding money lending disputes, he advised traders to carefully consider borrowing, noting that loans can sometimes lead to financial stress and frustration.

Meanwhile, the District Police Commander of Pader District, SP Jackson Bogere, acknowledged that the market currently has security gaps, including the absence of gates and sufficient security personnel.

Bogere proposed the formation of a 10-member security committee within the market to work alongside the two police officers assigned to handle security matters.

He also emphasised that animals should not be allowed to mix with people in the market, especially since some of the food items sold there are consumed without cooking.

Bogere assured traders that the police are committed to ensuring improved security and stability in the market.

The meeting was also attended by Jonathan Apuwe, the OC Station CPS Pader, Fearless Kilama Wodacholi, the Chairperson of Urban Council III, Pader Town Council, and Nighty Akello, the Chairperson of Pader Town Council Market Vendors Cooperative Society Limited, as well as other vendors.