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By Our Staff Reporter
MBale, Uganda – March 16, 2026-The leadership of Mbale City has announced a new plan to restore order and proper trade operations in the city markets, following growing concerns about disorganization and misuse of market spaces.
Speaking to traders and members of the public, the city town clerk, Mugisa Geoffrey, said the government-established markets were created with clear structures and departments, but some traders have ignored these guidelines by mixing unrelated businesses and operating beyond the spaces allocated to them.
According to the town clerk, markets were originally designed to separate different types of goods into specific sections such as vegetables, tailoring, textiles, and other commodities. However, he noted that some traders are now placing goods in the wrong sections, creating confusion and disorder for both customers and vendors.
He explained that a trader dealing in textiles, for example, should not mix that business with food items like vegetables or fruits. Mugisa added that such practices undermine the proper functioning of the market and make it difficult for customers to find what they are looking for.
The town clerk also raised concerns about traders who operate wholesale businesses inside small lockups meant for small-scale vendors. He said some traders have expanded their businesses beyond the size of their lockups and end up displaying goods in walkways, verandas, and even along roadsides.
“These markets were designed as nurseries for small traders, especially women and people starting their businesses. They are not meant for wealthy traders operating large-scale wholesale businesses,” Mugisa said.
He advised traders with large capital to relocate their wholesale businesses outside the market and rent bigger premises where they can operate comfortably without disrupting the market system.
The city authority also warned against the practice of displaying merchandise on walkways and streets, saying it creates congestion and interferes with public movement and hygiene standards.
Mugisa emphasized that the city leadership will move ahead with the reorganization exercise regardless of pressure or resistance from some traders. He noted that the markets belong to the government and the authorities have the legal mandate to regulate their use.
As part of the restructuring process, the city will begin registering all traders operating in the markets and taking stock of available lockups and empty spaces. The exercise will also help identify traders who rent out spaces illegally or allow others to operate in front of their verandas.
City authorities say the reorganization aims to ensure fairness and create room for vendors who have been operating on the streets, especially low-income traders who need proper market space.
Officials say the changes will help restore order, improve hygiene, and make it easier for customers to locate goods within the markets of Mbale City.
