Regional Street Market Exhibition Kicks Off in Arua to Boost Local and Women-Led Enterprises

ARUA CITY: The second-ever Street Market Exhibition in West Nile opened at the OPM grounds in Arua City, drawing traders from across the region and other parts of Uganda. Organized by the Uganda Small Scale Industries Association (USSIA), the three-day event is also attracting participants from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

Denish Okao, USSIA’s Northern Regional Coordinator, explained that the street market provides a platform for businesses of all sizes to showcase and promote their products. 

“We used to hold these events at our showgrounds, but we realized many SMEs and stakeholders were based in Kampala. So, we brought the market to the grassroots level here in Arua for the second time. 

This platform allows all sectors to exhibit, network, and promote their products. We also conduct sessions on labeling, packaging, and display techniques, and provide opportunities for exhibitors to discuss their products,” Okao said. 

He added that more traders were still arriving and setting up their stalls for the official opening.

Silas Anguzu, the General Secretary of the Uganda Chamber of Commerce and Industry – Arua City, encouraged local entrepreneurs to use the event to build capacity and access international markets. 

He highlighted the challenges faced by small-scale businesses, particularly their lack of capital, reach, and formal registration. 

“We’re delighted to host this street fair in Arua. Many small-scale entrepreneurs here operate informally, without registration with the Uganda Registration Services Bureau or quality certifications from the Uganda Revenue Authority. Their products often lack proper branding or premises. This organized forum fosters collaboration and helps businesses meet standards for international trade,” Anguzu noted.

Benson Otim, a Business Development Advisor with the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, emphasized the event’s focus on empowering women entrepreneurs to transition from small groups to formal, profit-making companies. 

“We’re building the capacity of women’s groups to become limited liability companies. This creates jobs for youth and links them to financing opportunities, especially for green businesses and women-led enterprises. 

We’re training and mentoring these groups—many exhibiting for the first time—on attracting customers, making sales, and achieving sustainability. These efforts will transform the region,” Otim said. 

He also urged more women’s groups to take advantage of the support offered through district focal persons.

Traders at the event appealed to the government and development partners for support in accessing capital to expand their businesses and create jobs. 

One woman entrepreneur shared, “We use local materials to produce cultural items, but in our villages, there’s little market for them. This event allows us to reach new customers and showcase our heritage.” 

Another entrepreneur, who designs unique sweaters sold in markets as far as Canada and Kenya, said, “I’m proud of my products and encourage women to become manufacturers. I’ve trained young women and men who’ve started their own workshops. Our biggest challenge is raising capital to grow our businesses.”

The Street Market has also attracted key institutions, including the Uganda Revenue Authority, Uganda Registration Services Bureau, Uganda Red Cross, and Reproductive Health Services, which are offering free services to participants during the event in Arua City.