By Sekaggya Seka Moses
MUBENDE — Traders and leaders in Mubende have agreed on an 8-point plan to solve problems after buses and taxis were moved to a new park.
The Minister of Local Government, Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi, has also asked President Museveni for help to finish a youth market project.
MPs join the visit
Mubende Municipality MP Hon. Sumayah Nabawanuka,Mubende District Woman MP Hon. Hope Grania Nakazibwe and Buweekula County MP Hon. kakooza Joseph were present during the Minister’s visit on 1st July 2026.
Speaking to traders, Hon. Sumayah said most of them are low earners who depend on daily income for food. “Government must think about these traders and keep its promises. We cannot keep them on empty promises,” she said.
Why the visit happened
The Minister, the three MPs, the RDC, Mayor, District Chairperson and other leaders held 4 meetings with traders and transport workers.
This followed complaints to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja about the Council’s order to move all buses and taxis to a new Bus and Taxi Park.
Main complaints
1. Traders at Simon’s Food Place lost customers after buses left the area.
2. Patients and travellers now walk long distances from drop-off points to Mubende Hospital.
3. Traders said the UGX 20,000 monthly market fee was high.
4. Some original vendors missed out when lock-up shops were given out.
5. Mr. Vvubi Simon said the Council blocked his plan to open a private bus terminal.
The 8-point plan agreed
1. Use the new Bus Park: All buses and taxis must use the new park opened by President Museveni on 17 April 2025. Chicken roasters can also work inside the park. Traders agreed to keep paying UGX 20,000 a month.
2. Set drop-off points: 9 places were named for passengers to get off only. No loading on streets. These include Mubende Hospital, Kaweri Primary School, Kyaterekera Junction, Shell Kapipa, and Cawadisa. Police and the Council will enforce this.
3. Simon’s Food Place: It can keep serving Fort Portal travellers. But roasting must move off the roadside to behind the building. The owners must also improve cleanliness.
4. Private bus terminal: Mr. Vvubi Simon can open his terminal if he signs an agreement with the Council and meets parking and hygiene rules.
5. Give back shops: Four vendors who were left out will get space after 4 big shops are split: Ms. Babirye Margaret, Ms. Nakato Fresca, Ms. Musinguzi Sarah, and Ms. Kiwanuka Jane.
6. Make the market easier to use: The Council and contractor will build stairs and ramps for traders and people with disabilities.
7. Build a shed: A shed will be built for matooke and charcoal traders who work in the open. If the contractor fails to build it, they may be blocked from future government work.
8. 30-day deadline: All changes must be done in 30 days. A follow-up meeting is set for 2nd August 2026.
Minister’s request to the President
The Minister told the President about a project to help about 200 youth who used to roast chicken, meat and gonja along the Kampala–Fort Portal Road.
The temporary building is done, but it needs 350 iron sheets, 200 bags of cement, and UGX 5 million for roofing. He asked the President to provide the iron sheets.
He also asked the Ministry of Gender to give the back part of its land to Mubende Council. The land had an old community centre from the 1960s that is now broken down. The plan is to expand the roasted food market and create jobs for youth.
Residents also asked the President to keep his earlier promise to buy land along the Kampala–Fort Portal Highway for a bigger roasted food market. They say this will bring in tourists, support businesses, create jobs, and give traders a safe place to work.
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