Fraud Claims, Odramacaku Rivalry and Legal Questions: What’s Behind the Onduparaka Livestock Market Dispute?

ARUA CITY – Leaders of the newly established livestock market in Onduparaka, Ayivu Division in Arua City, have dismissed allegations that the facility is created to defraud traders or replace the Odramacaku Livestock Market.

The clarification follows press briefing on Monday, August 10, 2026, by Ayivu Division Mayor Mallon Avutia, held after a mob attacked division leaders, including the mayor and the Deputy RCC, who had gone to Odramacaku to assess the possibility of reopening the border market in phases after its closure over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Avutia said the mob accused him of establishing the Onduparaka livestock market to replace the Odramacaku market, allegedly after being incited by unknown individuals.

Ayivu Division Mayor Malon Avutia briefing the media on Monday evening after the Mob attack at Odramacaku Border Market. Photo by Matata Benzamin — ***Ayivu Division Mayor Malon Avutia briefing the media on Monday evening after the Mob attack at Odramacaku Border Market*** *Photo by Matata Benzamin*

He, however, raised concerns about the legality and conditions of the new market, saying it operates in a limited space without basic facilities such as toilets and fencing and, allegedly, without approval from the local council. He said the market leaders had been summoned to explain the circumstances surrounding its establishment, stressing that no individual is allowed to establish a market without approval from the relevant local authority.

“There is a gentleman called Andama Richard. Surprisingly, this man now masquerades to be having a clearance from the division commander of UPDF, which is to do two things: one, to open a livestock market. Two, to encounter all livestock traders who are carrying animals on trucks to Congo.” Avutia stated.

“So when we were alerted, I informed the DPC. I even convened a meeting because the tender of Odramacaku market called me and said we are hearing somebody wants to start a market. Then I instructed a probe into that in order to dig out the truth because nobody under the law is allowed to open a market if only the market is gazetted by council.”

He said, “That thing called the market is not fenced. There is no toilet. There is no urinary shelter. There are no shades for the pigs. They are putting a few pigs under a tree.”

A pig resting under the shade of Thick tree in the questioned Onduparaka Livestock Market Photo by Matata Benzamin — ***A pig resting under the shade of Thick tree in the questioned Onduparaka Livestock Market*** *Photo by Matata Benzamin*

Responding to the allegations on Wednesday, Richard Andama, the accused Executive Director of WE-CAN, said the livestock market is established as a security measure to protect animals, promote cross-border trade and reduce the spread of livestock diseases. “This establishment is not to create enmity with anyone or anyone.” He said.

Andama said the facility was not intended to compete with or undermine the Odramacaku market, but rather to support the livestock sector and create employment opportunities for young people and traders across West Nile.

“I have not come here to fight anyone. As a leader, be a problem solver. Now that the market establishment is here at Onduparaka, how can we put our heads together, other than beginning to accuse, do defamation without substantial evidence? Where is the evidence?” Andama questioned.

Richard Andama, the accused Executive Director of WE-CAN refuting the allegations and calling for unity. Photo by Matata Benzamin — ***Richard Andama, the accused Executive Director of WE-CAN refuting the allegations and calling for unity.*** *Photo by Matata Benzamin*

“We don’t work on rumors. Let us put our heads together and create development in the region. That way, I think, we shall be moving in the right direction.”

Meanwhile, West Nile Livestock Traders Association Chairperson Patrick Okiror said the new market is established mainly to decongest the Arua abattoir and livestock market, which he said cannot accommodate the growing number of animals, including pigs.

Okiror said, “The Onduparaka Livestock market is intended to professionalize the animal trade in the region. We want to create an organized space for traders and this also generates local revenue for the City Council.”

Some of the traders who came from Acholi sub region with pigs to be sold Photo by Matata Benzamin — ***Some of the traders who came from Acholi sub region with pigs to be sold*** *Photo by Matata Benzamin*

The dispute comes as authorities continue to grapple with the future of livestock and cross-border trade around Odramacaku, where the market has remained closed amid disease-control concerns.

Under Uganda Markets Act, 2023, individuals intending to establish a private trading facility are required to apply to the local government with jurisdiction over the area. The law prohibits the establishment of a market without the necessary approval from the relevant local authority.

The disagreement therefore leaves the Onduparaka market facing questions over its approval and compliance.