Former roadside traders in Karongi District have been allocated selling spaces in a newly built modern market located in Rubengera Sector, specifically in Rubengera Cell, Rubengera Village. The traders say the move has protected them from financial losses and constant anxiety caused by frequent clashes with local authorities.
In early December 2025, Karongi District officials held a meeting with street vendors, encouraging them to occupy available stalls in the new market constructed by private investors operating in the sector.
The district administration also negotiated with the market owners, who agreed to grant the small-scale traders one month of free operation, allowing them to conduct business without paying stall fees while customers gradually familiarize themselves with the new location.
Among the beneficiaries is Abimana Zainab, a trader who has spent 18 years selling goods on the streets. She explains that working on the roadside often meant operating under fear running away at the sight of authorities and sometimes having her merchandise confiscated.
“The stall is rented at Frw 10,000 per month, which is not much. Our main challenge now is that customers are still getting used to the market, but it will improve with time. I no longer struggle with rain, harsh sun, or the constant fear while working,” she said.
Nyiramugisha Furaha, who had spent eight years trading on the streets, said roadside vending had cost her losses of no less than Frw 200,000.
“The good thing about working here in the market is that no one chases us away. Customers are still not many, but compared to the first day we moved in, you can clearly see the number increasing gradually,” she said.
The Deputy Mayor of Karongi District in charge of Economic Development, Ntakirutimana Julienne, explained that the low customer turnout is expected since the market is still in its early days of operation.
“The market was fully completed and traders moved in immediately. We plan to hold awareness meetings and publicize the goods available at RUCID so that people will know it is the right place to shop,” she said.
The Rubengera Commercial Investment Development Market (RUCID) was built by a consortium of more than 30 private investors who pooled resources. The construction cost has now exceeded Frw 1.2 billion.
The market has the capacity to accommodate over 225 traders, including 75 operating under registered trade cooperatives and 153 working in the general open market area.
