Leaders from Mbarara City North Division have been forced to intervene into the affairs of Karanorya daily market after several traders started running away from the facility over allegations of witchcraft. Reports say there are several cases of infighting among the traders something that has created conflicts resulting into witchcraft. During the meeting that was held in the market recently, the traders raised their concerns to the leaders saying that there is an increase in witchcraft cases among the traders due to business rivalry and competition. The traders cited many incidents of traditional witchcraft termed as ‘Amahembe’ that is very common in some areas of western Uganda.
This has forced many traders to abandon the market by seeking solace in other areas. The development forced leaders including the North Division Mayor, Gumisiriza Kyabwisho, the Division Town Clerk Shaban, area councilors and other stakeholders to storm the market and calm down the traders. The leaders also learnt that some traders are too undisciplined to the extent of defecating on the stalls of their fellow traders. It was revealed that this vice is usually done during the night when the traders have retired to their homes. The leaders learnt that this vice is caused by unhealthy competition among the traders, enmity and indiscipline among the traders. Rose Kyomukama, one of the traders in Koranorya Market said that the issue of witchcraft in the market has become worse.
“As traders, we are scared of continuing to work in the market. We don’t know if we will remain in this market if nothing changes,” she said. She said the traders have undermined the current market leadership that is headed by Katy Byaruhanga. Kyabwisho warned the traders against the errant behavior adding that as council they are going to put a disciplinary committee that will handle issues of misconduct and witchcraft. He said that any traders that will be implicated in cases of witchcraft will be chased out of the market. Koranorya market is located near Makenke Army Barracks in Mbarara City North and is known for selling fresh fruits and foods.
