Street vendors operating in Mbarara’s Central Business District (CBD) have been ordered to vacate immediately following a directive issued by the Mbarara City Council.
In a notice signed by City Town Clerk Justine Barekye, the council instructed all vendors conducting business on streets within the CBD to leave the area and relocate to gazetted markets.
According to the directive, the move is aimed at restoring order, improving sanitation, and easing congestion in the city centre, which has in recent months experienced an influx of roadside traders.
The notice also targets taxi operators who have been loading and parking passengers in undesignated areas. Busy spots such as Shell Ankole and Independence Park were specifically mentioned as areas where operators must cease operations immediately.
Taxi drivers have been warned to relocate to the officially designated taxi park and comply with city regulations or face enforcement measures.
City authorities say the directive forms part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations within the CBD and ensure public safety for both pedestrians and motorists.
By press time, some vendors expressed concern over the abrupt nature of the order, saying they depend on street sales for their daily income. However, council officials maintain that alternative operating spaces are available in established markets.
The city has not indicated how long enforcement will take but signaled that compliance is expected without delay.
