Gulu vendors protest shs 300 toilet fee, poor sanitation

8 October 2026, 11:47 am

By Ekel Bonny Daniel.

Vendors at Gulu Main Market have called on Gulu City authorities to improve sanitation and reconsider the 300-shilling fee charged per entry at the market’s public toilets.

The concerns were raised during a recent Baraza organized by the Gulu City Authority to discuss challenges affecting vendors.

Janani Loum, a vendor, described sanitation at the market as a serious concern and called for the relocation of temporary garbage collection points, which he said attract waste from outside the market.

Another vendor, Acaa Lucy, said the market compound is particularly dirty in the morning, with human waste sometimes dumped in the compound. Vendors attributed the practice partly to the toilet charges, saying some vendors, especially those with children, avoid the toilets and dispose of children’s waste improperly.

The vendors called for the removal of the 300-shilling toilet fee, arguing that frequent users can spend a significant amount each day. Some said people may use the toilet more than six times daily, making the cost burdensome.

However, Gulu City Health Officer Dr. Daniel Okello said the charges are necessary to support toilet maintenance including buying toilet paper and other supplies and cannot be scrapped.

Gulu City Deputy Mayor Ali Geoffrey said the city leadership will work closely with vendors to address their concerns and improve sanitation and other services at the market.