MUHANGA – Heavy rains and thievery were among the serious issues that disrupted the just-concluded trade expo in the Southern Province, according to the Mayor of Muhanga District, Yvonne Mutakwasuku.

Mutakwasuku made the remarks at the closure of the 10-day expo on Monday, that was attended by over 120 exhibitors from Kenya, Uganda, Egypt and Rwanda.

The rains destroyed the exhibition grounds, forcing the organisers to improvise by filling the ground with murram.

Entrepreneurs requested that such issues be prioritised before the next exhibition.

"The trade fair should be organised during the dry season. Most of the businesses were put at a standstill due to heavy rains and thus major losses incurred,” Gerard Sina, one of the exhibitors said.

Some of the stalls that were robbed include Nyanza District and Nyirangarama agro-processing factory – that lost DVD equipment, a medal and nine crates of beer.

Others blamed the theft on idling and lack of sufficient security especially during the night.

"We incurred losses due to theft of bottles of beer at night time, and such cases are common especially when revellers are a mixed group,” Charlotte Mukamwezi, an exhibitor said.

Jeanne Izabiriza, the Executive Secretary of the Southern Province, commended the participants for promoting education, business and sharing of knowledge.

Ends