After the lifting of the quarantine that was previously imposed to contain Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), markets across Kazo District have made a remarkable comeback. The trading activities in various sub-counties have not only brought joy to local traders but are also significantly boosting the district’s revenue collection.

District officials during an interview today at the district headquarters confirm that all markets are now fully operational following the successful containment of FMD and the subsequent lifting of restrictions. Traders have resumed their activities with enthusiasm and markets are now bustling with activity on scheduled days throughout the month.

The schedule for market days in Kazo District is as follows:
Burunga Sub-county: First Monday of the month
Nkungu Sub-county: Third and last Monday of the month
Rwemikoma Sub-county: Second Monday of the month
Migina Sub-county: Second Saturday of the month
Kazo Sub-county: First and last Tuesday of the month
Kyampangara Sub-county: First Thursday of the month
Kanoni Sub-county: Third Tuesday of the month
Engari Sub-county: Every Saturday and third Wednesday of the month
Kazo Town Council: Second and last Wednesday of the month
Buremba Sub-county: Every Thursday of the week

Ssengonzi Shariff, a finance officer in Kazo District, revealed that the district is working diligently to streamline tax collection and improve compliance among traders.
“We encourage all traders to register and where possible, join trade associations to improve coordination and accountability,” he said.

Tembo Emanuel, the Senior Finance Officer, noted that the district’s monthly revenue collection has significantly improved since the lifting of the quarantine.

“During the quarantine, revenue collection dropped to 14 million shillings. Today, we are collecting over 39 million shillings per month from markets alone,” he explained.
Ms. Jennifer Kemeri, Chief Finance Officer for Kazo District, emphasized the district’s commitment to revenue growth.

“Markets contribute 65% of our total local revenue and we will do everything possible to continue boosting this contribution,” she stated. “Although the revenue was affected during the FMD restrictions, the restrictions are lifted, we have put new measures in place to further enhance revenue collection. We are confident of achieving our targets.”

Rev. Samuel Mugisha Katugunda, the LC5 Chairperson for Kazo District, expressed his appreciation to all who contributed to controlling the disease and facilitating the recovery.
“Now our traders earn from their markets and that’s something to celebrate,” he said. “As our people earn more income, the district’s revenue base will also continue to grow.”

By Tinyefuza Naboth, Kazo District Communications Officer.