Mubende, Uganda – More than 40 vendors, evicted from Mubende Central Market in 2020, stormed the Municipal Council offices this week, demanding compensation, transparency, and answers after four years of delays and broken promises surrounding a contentious market redevelopment project.
The displaced traders say they were forced out with the promise of priority allocation in the new market. Each vendor reportedly paid UGX 420,000 for a stall—but four years later, they have received neither refunds nor stall allocations.
“We were robbed in broad daylight. Where is our money? Where is our market?” a frustrated vendor asked.
Many of these traders have since resorted to illegal street vending, enduring daily harassment from authorities.
The growing tensions caught the attention of State Minister for Microfinance, Hon. Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, who intervened during an NRM Buganda Caucus meeting in Mubende. In a fiery address, the minister condemned the extortion of vendors and ordered immediate action.
“No one—not even a ghost—should extort money from vendors without proper accountability!” Kasolo declared, directing a verification exercise to identify legitimate claimants.
He also warned of legal consequences if any funds were found to have been misappropriated.
Vendors laid blame squarely on Mubende Mayor Eng. Innocent Sekizivu and MP Bashir Lubega Ssempa, accusing them of negligence and corruption. Allegations surfaced that fake lists were used to allocate stalls in the newly developed market, sidelining genuine vendors.
Both leaders pledged to resolve the issue within two weeks, under mounting pressure from both the public and central government.
Displaced vendors say they feel abandoned by leaders they once supported. The loss of secure trading space has pushed many families into financial hardship. With the 2026 elections approaching, unresolved vendor grievances could erode the NRM’s grassroots support in the region.
Quote of the Day:
“If leaders eat our money, they must vomit it!” – Vendor representative
