By Raymond Eyangu
In a landmark step toward improved governance and unity, vendors operating in Soroti Main Market have officially adopted the third draft of the Soroti City Market Vendors Association (SOCMAVA) constitution.
This milestone was reached during the Association’s first-ever Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), held on Monday at the Soroti Market Daycare Hall.
The highly anticipated meeting brought together hundreds of vendors, market leaders, and key stakeholders for a pivotal discussion centered on the constitution document designed to bring structure, accountability, and legal recognition to the vendors’ association.
The draft constitution was presented by Mr. Edmund Elasu, the official legal counsel for the market, who took attendees through the document article by article.
He highlighted key components, including leadership structures, membership rights, financial accountability, conflict resolution, vendor registration, and election guidelines.
“This document is more than just rules it is our shared vision,” Mr. Elasu told attendees.
He added that the constitution gives vendors a framework of operations in discipline, fairness and transparent
“It gives us the legal framework to operate with discipline, fairness, and transparency, and ensures that every member has a voice,” he said
The presentation was followed by an open and inclusive discussion.
Vendors actively engaged, seeking clarification on various clauses and offering feedback, topics such as space allocation, the role of leadership, and internal dispute resolution mechanisms received significant attention, with Mr. Elasu addressing each concern
After thorough deliberation and a few minor amendments, the constitution was unanimously adopted by the members signaling a new chapter for SOCMAVA and Soroti Main Market.
Mr. Aliabu Samuel, the Interim Chairperson of the association, called the adoption of the constitution as “victory for the vendors” and commended members for their dedication and unity throughout the drafting process.
“This is a turning point for our association today, we begin operating under a common legal framework that respects the rights of all vendors, promotes cooperation, and guides us toward better service delivery.” Aliabu said
He further pledged that his leadership will uphold transparency and guide the association through this transition period until a fully elected executive committee is instituted, as outlined in the newly adopted constitution.
The atmosphere at the meeting was one of celebration and collective hope.
Many vendors expressed strong support for the constitution and praised the association’s leadership for allowing them to be part of the process from the beginning.
“I feel empowered, for the first time, we’re being included in decisions that affect us directly this constitution protects our interests and gives us the confidence to speak out and work together.” one of the vendors said
They also noted that the constitution would help reduce internal disputes and create a more harmonious working environment.
“This is going to help solve so many of the problems we have faced over the years because we have a system that holds everyone accountable from leaders to vendors,” they said
According to Mr. Elasu, the association will begin by printing and distributing copies of the final document to all registered members, civic education sessions will also be organized to ensure vendors fully understand their rights, obligations, and the structure of the new governance system.
“Another critical step will be the organization of fresh elections to establish a permanent executive committee, as stipulated in the constitution, these elections are expected to be free, fair, and inclusive with some qualification for the post of chairperson and vice chairperson like registered member in the association and have stayed 10 years chairperson and 5 years vice must hold a valid allocation letter, good communication leadership planning skills, must be above 30 years for chairperson seat, free from criminal records to all eligible members of the association,” Elasu said
He also added that the process ahead is just as important as what we have accomplished today, implementation must be handled with integrity and inclusiveness this constitution is only effective if every vendor takes ownership of it.
City authorities have already shown interest in working more closely with organized vendor groups, constitutionally guided vendors’ association will likely foster stronger collaboration with the Soroti City Council on key issues such as sanitation, security, space management, and licensing.
“Having a structured, accountable association makes it easier to streamline market operations, we believe this development will not only improve the vendors’ welfare but also enhance Soroti’s urban image and investment appeal.” City council representative said
As the meeting concluded, a sense of renewed purpose was evident among the attendees, vendors left with printed summaries of the constitution and a clear roadmap for the weeks ahead.
For many, the adoption of the constitution signaled more than just a policy shift it marked the beginning of a new era of vendor empowerment, fair leadership and economic resilience in Soroti City.
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