Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Mayor Robert Kakyebezi warning traders not to dare going back to the streets after the eviction to enforce a trade order
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MBARARA CITY
Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi has defended the ongoing enforcement of trade order in the city, describing it as a necessary step toward restoring order and cleanliness.
Speaking during an extraordinary council meeting on Friday, Kakyebezi commended city authorities and political leaders for supporting the exercise aimed at streamlining urban commerce.
“I want to thank this team because without your support and mandate, this exercise would not have reached this far. We kept quiet as politicians because we wanted sanity, and I am glad the reports now show that Mbarara has changed and is becoming a clean city,” he said.
The mayor stressed that the city would not revert to previous levels of disorder, particularly the unchecked return of roadside kiosks and containers.
“What we have achieved must be maintained. There is no going back. Nobody should reintroduce kiosks and containers that create congestion and suffering. We want uniformity in enforcement,” he added.
Kakyebezi also called for fairness in implementing the trade order, warning that wealthy business owners should not be treated differently. He revealed that the operation will soon extend beyond the Central Business District to areas such as Ruti and Katete.
Enforcement team removing Vendors off the streets
Vendors Urged to Use Gazetted Markets
Addressing concerns about displaced traders, the mayor said there is adequate space in designated markets, including Andrews Market and Kiyanja.
“I personally visited Andrews Market and found many empty stalls and lockups. This shows there is space for traders relocating from the streets. When people complain, it should not be turned into politics because the alternatives exist,” he said.
City Speaker Bonny Tashobya Karutsya echoed the mayor’s remarks, pledging full council support for the enforcement.
“We shall continue to support this cause to ensure we have a clean and organised city,” Tashobya said, urging vendors to relocate to gazetted markets such as Kakoba, Nyamityobora, Koranorya, and Rugazi.
City Tables Shs 56.98 Billion Budget
During the same sitting, Secretary for Finance Ronald Taremwa presented the proposed budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, totalling Shs 56.98 billion—up from Shs 49.3 billion in the current financial year.
Taremwa noted that approximately 20 percent (Shs 11.31 billion) is expected to be raised locally, while 80 percent (Shs 45.67 billion) will come from central government transfers.
“It is a legal requirement for the chairperson to present revenue and expenditure estimates by April 1 so that council can approve the budget by May 31,” he said.
He added that the budget aligns with the national strategy of full monetisation of Uganda’s economy, aimed at transitioning households from subsistence to the money economy.
Ronald Taremwa Sec for Finance presenting Mbarara City Budget Estimate Yrea 2026-27
The largest allocations include:
“The budget is designed to implement the city development plan by promoting productivity, investment, and value addition, while improving service delivery,” Taremwa explained.
Rising Insecurity Raises Concern
Despite progress in urban order, Tashobya raised concerns about increasing insecurity in areas such as Katete, Kamukuzi, and Ruti, citing attacks by armed criminals.
“Recently, we lost a resident in a brutal attack, and others have been injured. Security needs to be strengthened to restore public confidence,” he said, suggesting dedicated funding to support night operations.
Mbarara City North Councilor Godfrey Baryomunsi warned that insecurity could undermine government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“When beneficiaries invest in livestock, thieves steal them at night. This affects their ability to repay and defeats the purpose of the programme,” he noted.
Security Assurances
Responding to the concerns, the City Intelligence Security Officer, Lt. Darius Kusasira, assured council that security agencies are intensifying operations.
“We recently held a security meeting and are working with the 2nd Division in Makenke, the Field Force Unit, and the police to increase night patrols. We urge residents to remain calm as we deal with the criminals,” Kusasira said.
Lt Darius Kusasira, CISO Mbarara City
Call for Unity
Closing the session, Taremwa called for cooperation between political and technical leaders to ensure effective implementation of the budget.
“We need unity to ensure that planned projects are executed and services extended to our people. Monitoring must be strengthened so that intended outcomes are achieved,” he said.
Torch Media Africa
