By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
Mbale City authorities, in collaboration with the police have today Tuesday, 18th February, 2025 conducted an operation targeting street vendors in various areas of the city, including Mbale Central Market, Republic Street, and Naboa Road.
The operation was prompted by the city’s desire to restore order, as the presence of street vendors had led to disorganization, dirtiness, and disorderliness in the city center.ยน
According to James Kutosi, the Mbale City public relations officer, the operation followed a warning notice issued to street vendors, instructing them to vacate the streets within two days.
However, the vendors failed to comply, prompting the city to take action. Kutosi noted that many street vendors had abandoned recognized markets, such as Mbale Central and Kumi Road, and opted to operate on the streets for unknown reasons.
Rogers Taitika, the Elgon Region Police Spokesperson, confirmed the arrest of street vendors and stated that the police would conduct screening before releasing the names of those arrested.
Musa Kasaja, the Speaker of Industrial City Division, criticized the city’s approach, arguing that creating an alternative market for street vendors would have been a more effective solution.
Kasaja expressed his intention to discuss the matter with the town clerk and advocate for the release of the arrested vendors, as well as the return of their merchandise.
Some street vendors, who preferred to remain anonymous, claimed that they were forced to operate on the streets due to the lack of space in recognized markets, such as Mbale Central Market. They emphasized that the city’s failure to provide alternative markets had left them with no choice but to vend on the streets.
