[ad_1]
As evening falls in the Ugandan capital, traders in the country’s largest market prepare for another long, cold night’s sleep between fruit and vegetable stalls, banned from entering their homes.
As part of a strict 42-day coronavirus lockdown imposed on June 18, vendors at Nakasero Market in downtown Kampala were allowed to continue trading – but only if they agreed not to return home. them and sleep where they worked.
The government distributed mosquito nets, drinking water and soap to around 600 vendors suddenly faced with a six-week period away from their homes, confined to the cramped quarters of the market.
Comfort is lacking. Personal space is scarce and facilities poorly equipped to accommodate so many people.
In the evening, the lucky ones find prime real estate between mountains of fresh produce and chicken cages.
The air can be stale and heavy, but at least a tin roof covers their heads.
Comfort is lacking. Personal space is scarce and facilities poorly equipped to accommodate so many people. By Badru Katumba (AFP) The less fortunate are forced to sleep in the open air, curled up on sheets of cardboard or burlap sacks in a vain attempt to warm themselves from the bitter cold.
“I sleep on a mat and a few pieces of cardboard. With my mosquito net. Yes, that’s it,” said Abu Kikomeko, a 23-year-old college student who helps his aunt at her vegetable stall. in Nakasero.
He liked the mosquito net, but he misses the warmth of his bed.
“It’s not like I’m at home (where) I’m closing the door. But since I’m at the market, an open place, of course you feel the coldness between you,” Kikomeko said.
“Life has changed”
Almost two weeks after starting their six-week lockdown, Kikomeko’s aunt Gladys Kyabangi Sebuyira said living conditions were poor.
“Life has changed. Because we are not at home, everything is just difficult. Bathing … it is quite difficult. Washing our things, the way we sleep. Things are not that easy.” the 47-year-old said. she looked for a place to sleep with her 21 year old daughter.
Sentoongo Mansoor, vice president of Nakasero market, said the lockdown was having an economic impact, particularly hitting traders. By Badru Katumba (AFP) Linet Okoth, another trader, said the daily discomfort was compounded by a lack of activity.
Foot traffic was down sharply, she said, with shoppers staying at home amid concern over the record spike in coronavirus cases and deaths in the East African country.
“We don’t have customers. They don’t come to buy because they’re afraid to come here,” said the 41-year-old.
As coronavirus cases and deaths reached record levels, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni froze all public and private transport on June 18 and imposed a strict dusk-to-dawn curfew across the country of 45 million people.
The veteran president warned hospitals were full and not facing the outbreak, as daily cases rose from 100 in late May to more than 1,700 in mid-June.
Sentoongo Mansoor, vice president of Nakasero market, said the lockdown was having an economic impact, particularly hitting traders.
The number of vendors in Nakasero fell by three-quarters, he said, while those who remained hoping to make a living struggled in poor conditions.
The less fortunate are forced to sleep in the open air, curled up on sheets of cardboard or burlap sacks in a vain attempt to warm themselves. By Badru Katumba (AFP) “We still have difficulty in accessing some facilities. Mosquito nets have been distributed by the government but they are not enough, convenience places like toilets and bathrooms are not enough,” he said.
Throughout the night, trucks full of fresh produce are delivered to Nakasero from all over Uganda, but it is not certain that everything can be sold with a business in crisis.
Source link
