Lopa Lopa Fish Market: Arua’s Cultural Melting Point

In Uganda’s north-western city of Arua, nationals from South Sudan, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo are sharing proceeds of fish.

The South Sudanese are the fishermen, Ugandans are the sellers, and the Congolese consumers.  

This vibrant marketplace, known as Lopalopa2, is more than just a place to buy and sell fish, it is a point that enhances cross-border collaboration and its socio-economic perks.

The market is the expansion of the original Lopalopa1 market, which was the first of its kind in Arua. It expanded due to the popularity of the market symbolizing its success. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Lopalopa2 is the prominent role that women play in the market. Rehema Angayika, the chairperson of the traders’ association at Lopalopa2, is a key figure in this unique market.

“This business has helped me pay school fees for my children and also all the other basic needs of the family,” she says.

Along with over 100 other women, she is at the forefront of the fish trade,  challenging the  narrative that women  especially migrants are limited to opportunities 

According to Clement Atibuni the general manager of the Market, there are over 110 women currently trading in this market, 4 of which are Congolese. There is a system that’s put in place for one to participate this business. 

Lopalopa2 is not just a market, it is an economic powerhouse that drives the local economy of Arua. 

The market provides employment and income for hundreds of traders, transporters, and other workers who are involved in the fish trade. 

The revenue generated from the market also supports local businesses and contributes to the overall economic development of the region.

Moreover, Lopalopa2 plays a crucial role in fostering cross-border trade, which is essential for the economic integration of the East African region. 

The market’s success is a testament to the potential of regional trade to create wealth and improve livelihoods, especially in border regions that are often marginalized.

The hospitable nature of the people in Arua city is a qualifying factor to the high numbers of migrants in this area. This has not only led to the development of this area but also created various opportunities for the locals and migrants themselves 

The market specializes in fish, particularly the one known as “Leki” which is  imported from South Sudan. 

The fish is preserved in salt and transported into Uganda to the market aleast using trucks. 

The revenue generated from each truckload can reach up to 40,000 Ugandan shillings, a significant amount for the traders and the local economy.

In 2023 Uganda hosted the largest number of refugees and currently provides a home to over 1.5million refugees , 57% from South Sudan, 32% from Democratic republic of Congo, 3% from Somali and 3% from Burundi

The traders at Lopa Lopa are Some are refugees’ others as asylum seekers and others flee their countries seeking for better economic opportunities such as education, health and trade or business as well