President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has officially commissioned a new modern market in Mubende town, constructed under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program. The market is part of broader efforts to improve road networks and boost economic growth in the district.
The USMID program, with a total budget of Shs 61.6 billion, aims to enhance urban infrastructure and foster development in Mubende District.
During the commissioning, President Museveni emphasized that the market was built to high standards and directed that vendors occupying the facility be given six months without paying rent to help them establish their businesses.
The President spent his third day in the Greater Mubende region monitoring the progress of the Parish Development Model (PDM) initiatives. Today, he launched the Central Market in Mubende town, alongside newly constructed roads stretching 8.3 km, complete with drainage systems and streetlights, to improve accessibility in the area.
Mubende Municipality Member of Parliament, Bashir Lubega Ssempa, raised concerns about traders who had previously operated in makeshift structures, requesting that they be compensated with amounts ranging between Shs 2 million and Shs 4 million to secure permanent stalls in the new market.
He appealed to the President to ensure that these traders are given adequate time to settle into the market before being required to pay rent, as many had lost income during the construction period.
Mubende Mayor Innocent Ssekiziivu briefed President Museveni on the projects completed under the Shs 63 billion USMID funding. He also requested that Mubende be elevated to a city status due to its growing urban potential. Minister Nabakooba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the USMID program’s success.
Beyond roads and the market, Minister Nabakooba highlighted other ongoing developments in Mubende, expressing optimism that residents would soon enjoy more benefits from these initiatives.
President Museveni cautioned municipal leaders against mismanagement, urging them to ensure the market is used efficiently to generate revenue. He also directed Minister Nabakooba to follow up on pending contractual obligations.
The President stressed that the market was built to proper standards but warned against imposing excessive taxes on traders. He further encouraged communities to embrace the PDM program to lift themselves out of poverty.
After his engagements in Mubende, President Museveni proceeded to Kiboga District to attend a three-day closed retreat with local leaders, focusing on development strategies.
