By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
Mbale City Authority has officially shifted trucks and pickups from the Central Business District (CBD), relocating them to a newly gazetted parking yard at Mpumudde playground, located along Mission Road and behind Kumi Road Taxi Park.
The move implemented on Wednesday, 9th April, 2025 follows enforcement of trade order regulations initiated by Geoffrey Mugisha, the new Town Clerk for Mbale Industrial City Division.
Hasoho Jolly, Deputy City Town Clerk, told our reporter that, the trucks have caused disorder in the city.
“Trucks are scattered everywhere, and shopkeepers complain about losing customers. It’s our role to protect the roads. The Ministry of Works doesn’t want to see mess on the streets,” she stated.
Mbale Industrial City Division Mayor, Masaba Muhamood said, all trucks operating on streets should move away so that the City can be organized, adding that the city council owns the Mpumuude land.
“Those saying trucks shouldn’t go to Mpumudde are jokers. I warn councillors misleading drivers that we’ll deal with you. Let’s stop cheap politics and restore order,” Masaba said.
Madoi Abduallah, Chairman of Mbale United Trucks and Pickups Drivers Association told eastnews that, they’re grateful to the city leadership for giving them a permanent space adding that they are ready to relocate.
Speaker of the association, Wamimbi Masaba Hakim, echoed the relief. “We suffered on the streets for long. This new space is a big relief.”
Mugisha says that after relocating trucks and pickups, buses and taxis will be the next target in efforts to decongest the city.
Frank Kisule, Town Clerk for Mbale Northern Division, confirmed that the persistent challenge has been street congestion due to trucks and pickups.
Philip Kiiza, Vice Chairman of the truck drivers’ association, called on the city to remove garbage at Kumi Road Park, install a toilet, and security lights at the Mpumuude yard.
Deputy RCC Hamza Banja warned; “Truck drivers, you’ve been informed by the police. Vacate the streets or face arrest. Parking there is no longer allowed and when they arrest anyone, we’re not responsible.”
