A bitter leadership wrangle that has gripped Mubende Municipality for months has finally been settled after Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara stepped in with tough directives aimed at restoring order and enforcing government policies. The minister ordered all roadside traders to vacate streets and instructed taxi operators to operate strictly from gazetted taxi parks and stages.
The dispute had created divisions between municipal authorities and district leaders over the implementation of measures intended to decongest the town and compel traders to relocate to the government-funded market. The disagreement escalated as different leaders took opposing positions, creating uncertainty among traders and transport operators.Upon arriving in Mubende, Balaam met vendors operating in different parts of the municipality, many of whom expressed fears over losing customers and income if they were forced to leave roadside locations.
The traders appealed for fairness and a gradual transition, saying they supported government programs but needed adequate support to adapt to the new arrangements.The engagement later drew the participation of Mubende District Chairperson Michael Ntambi, who defended his involvement in the matter. He maintained that his concerns had always centered on protecting the livelihoods of residents affected by the enforcement exercise, insisting that any implementation process should take into account the welfare of ordinary citizens.
As tensions continued to attract public attention, Mubende Municipality Member of Parliament Sumayah Nabawanuka urged leaders to embrace dialogue and unity. She argued that the disagreement should have been resolved internally before reaching the level of intervention by the central government, warning that leadership conflicts often undermine public confidence.Mubende Resident District Commissioner Fred Nayebare Kyamuzita also called on all leaders to put aside their differences and focus on implementing government programs. He noted that cooperation between district and municipal authorities is essential for effective service delivery and orderly urban development.
Addressing stakeholders, Balaam stressed that the government had invested substantial resources in constructing the modern market and that the facility should be fully utilized. He said allowing traders to continue operating along roadsides defeats the purpose of the investment and compromises efforts to create a clean, organized and business-friendly municipality.
In his final ruling, the minister declared that roadside vending and unauthorized taxi stages would no longer be tolerated. His intervention effectively brings to an end a dispute that had grown from disagreements over transport operations into a broader battle over town management, with leaders now expected to implement the directives and restore order across Mubende Municipality.
