KRC unveils smart street food vendor stalls to promote food safety in Fort Portal city
“We want every street food vendor have access to these facilities to guarantee safe food for consumers,” he added.
Fort Portal: In a bid to enhance food safety and hygiene among street food vendors in Fort Portal city, the Kabarole Research and Resource Centre [KRC] Uganda in Partnership with IDP and the city authorities has introduced smart street food vendor stalls.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at Mpanga along Fort Portal – Kampala road, the KRC executive director, Shariff Mohammed emphasized that the initiative is a significant milestone in promoting hygienic, safe and sustainable street food vending.
“We have supported vendors with 15 smart stalls to serve as model prototypes, inspiring others to adopt standardized safe food vending practices,” Mohammed said on Monday.
He noted that street food is a major source of livelihood for many people in Fort portal city and it is a responsibility of all stakeholders in the food system to ensure that vendors adhere to proper hygiene standards.
Mohammed further stated that KRC will collaborate with city leaders and the private sector to ensure that all street food vendors gain access to these smart stalls at affordable prices.
“We want every street food vendor have access to these facilities to guarantee safe food for consumers,” he added.
Fort portal central division member of Parliament, Alex Ruhunda commended KRC for the initiative, emphasizing that it aligns with the city’s vision of becoming a smart city.
“We are working towards implementing smart city technology to match Fort Portal’s status as a tourism city. Plans are underway to install CCTV cameras in Mpanga market and connect vendors to the internet, enabling them to market and sell their produce online,” Ruhunda said.
He highlighted the importance of food safety in a city that attracts many tourists, noting that visitors often explore the night economy, where street food is a popular option.
“Many tourists and locals rely on street food, so we must ensure that what they consume is safe,” he added.
Fort Portal City Speaker, Albert Aheebwa also lauded KRC for supporting city authorities in sensitizing food handlers about food safety.
“The city council is currently working on market and trade orders to ensure businesses operate in an organized manner,” Aheebwa said.
He acknowledged the challenge of scattered stalls along the streets but assured that plans are in place to relocate street food vendors to designated areas while organizing other traders accordingly.
“Our vision is to equip all vendors with modern stalls as we work towards becoming a smart city, though financial constraints remain a challenge,” he observed.
Nevertheless, he affirmed that city leaders will work with KRC to ensure all street food vendors can access the smart stalls.
Street food vendor, Shallon Atuhaire expressed her gratitude to KRC and city leaders, noting that the initiative will not only attract more customers but also boost vendor’s incomes.
“We are grateful that KRC thought about us. We were trained on proper food handling, and now, with these stalls, our businesses will thrive,” Atuhaire said.
KRC is a recognized research, advocacy and community development organization that believes that empowering community requires a comprehensive understanding of their needs.
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