Mbale, Uganda; In a major step to decongest the city center and restore order, Mbale City authorities have officially relocated all trucks and pickups from the Central Business District (CBD) to a newly gazetted parking yard at Mpumudde playground, situated along Mission Road. The move has received overwhelming support from residents, who have long complained about traffic chaos and business disruptions caused by haphazard truck parking.
Local traders and pedestrians have welcomed the relocation, saying it will improve mobility and business operations in the CBD.
“For years, these trucks have blocked roads, making it hard for customers to access our shops. This is a great decision by the city,” said Sarah Namono, a shop owner along Republic Street.
John Wabwire, a boda-boda rider, added, “The streets were always jammed because of trucks parked everywhere. Now, movement is smoother, and accidents will reduce.”
The enforcement of trade order regulations, spearheaded by Geoffrey Mugisha, the new Town Clerk for Mbale Industrial City Division, is part of a broader plan to reorganize the city.
Mbale Industrial City Division Mayor, Masaba Muhamood, emphasized that the relocation was long overdue. “Trucks have been scattered everywhere, hurting businesses and damaging roads. The Ministry of Works has warned against such disorder, and we must act,” he stated.
He also dismissed opposition from some drivers and councillors, calling them “jokers” and warning against political interference in the city’s reorganization efforts.
While some truck drivers appreciate the new designated parking space, others have resisted the move. Madoi Abduallah, Chairman of the Mbale United Trucks and Pickups Drivers Association, expressed gratitude for the permanent space but admitted that some members accused him of not consulting them properly.
“We needed a solution, and the city has provided one. But some drivers feel left out,” Abduallah said.
However, a section of drivers questioned his leadership, with some alleging he doesn’t even own a truck. “How can he decide for us when he doesn’t understand our struggles?” one driver protested.
Philip Kiiza, Vice Chairman of the truck drivers' association, acknowledged the benefits of the new yard but urged the city to improve conditions.
“We need garbage cleared, a functional toilet, and security lights at Mpumudde. If these are fixed, everyone will be happy,” he said.
Wamimbi Masaba Hakim, the association’s speaker, described the relocation as a relief. “We suffered on the streets for too long. This is a positive step,” he said.
Town Clerk Geoffrey Mugisha revealed that after trucks and pickups, the city will next relocate buses and taxis as part of ongoing efforts to decongest the CBD.
Frank Kisule, Town Clerk for Mbale Northern Division, confirmed that street congestion has been a major challenge and praised the relocation as a critical milestone.
City officials say the cleanup is part of a larger mission to reclaim Mbale’s reputation as one of East Africa’s cleanest and most organized cities.
“We must restore order—by hook or crook,” an official stated. With residents backing the move, the city hopes to balance enforcement with addressing the concerns of affected drivers and businesses.
