ARUA – Nelson Dada, the long-serving chairperson of Arua Main Market Vendors Association, has passed away. He died on Good Friday evening at Arua Regional Referral Hospital after battling a hernia-related illness.
Dada was a prominent figure in Arua City, known for his leadership and advocacy on matters concerning Arua Main Market for over 15 years. He represented more than 5,000 market vendors and was instrumental in the transformation of the market into a modern facility.
According to Herbert Odama, the Market Speaker, Dada had undergone surgery for a hernia and had briefly resumed work. However, his condition worsened, and he was readmitted to the hospital, where he eventually breathed his last.
A resident of Nyico Olevu Ward in Arua City, Dada was widely recognized as a pillar in the establishment and development of Arua Main Market. His leadership played a crucial role in the implementation of the Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement Program (MATIP-2), which led to the construction of a modern market facility funded by the World Bank.
The Arua Central Division recently honored him with an award for his contribution to making Arua Main Market the best in local revenue collection under the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS).
Construction of the new market began in February 2018 and, although scheduled for completion by February 2020, extended for an additional 10 months. The market features 1,989 stalls, 204 lockups, 599 pitches, 40 restaurants, one daycare center, two stores, 32 butcheries, and a value addition plant in Awindiri. An additional 40 lockups were constructed at the former Silverfish Market.
The project was implemented by Sadeem Al Kuwait for General Trading Construction in a joint venture with Dott Services and supervised by Joadah Engineering Consults.
Credit: Robert Ariaka
