By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
The Minister for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, is expected in Mbale City on Wednesday, 26th August, 2026 to solve the impasse between traders of Mbale Central Market and Mbale City authorities.
Confusion and conflicts have been rising at Mbale Central Market over the new taxes that were introduced in the market.
According to the current tax structure, each lock-up pays Shs 70,000 and above, depending on the lock-up.
Mbale City had wanted to raise the amount from Shs 70,000 to Shs 300,000, depending on the stall, a move that was opposed and rejected by vendors and the area MP, Karim Masaba, representing Industrial City Division in Mbale City.
While speaking to our reporter today, Tuesday, Mbale City Deputy Town Clerk, Hasoho Jolly, said Balaam is coming tomorrow mainly to resolve the matter of taxes in the market.
She said that all markets countrywide have increased the taxes payable according to the directive of the former Minister for Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, but Mbale traders have refused, calling it illegal.
The Deputy Town Clerk said Mbale Central Market cannot continue collecting only Shs 10 million monthly yet it has a large number of vendors.
