The Mbarara Central Market sanitation crisis continues to escalate, with vendors calling for urgent reform. They accuse market leaders and city authorities of ignoring basic hygiene standards, leaving public toilets without water or soap and putting traders—especially women—at serious risk of infection.
He also raised concerns over the legal uncertainty facing fish vendors, who currently operate without a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the government. Without an MOU, these traders have no legal assurance of their continued presence in the market. Mutambunza called for clear agreements and accused officials of charging excessive utility fees—Shs10,000 daily for both water and electricity.
Brian Arinaitwe, head of the fruit vendors, echoed the complaints. He argued that despite Uganda’s Parliament enacting laws to regulate public markets, local authorities fail to enforce them in Mbarara. Arinaitwe accused the City Council and market chairperson Emmy Muhumuza of collaborating to misuse vendor funds. He criticized the lack of functioning security cameras and the absence of proper parking spaces, despite regular revenue collection. “We pay, but get nothing in return,” he added.
Councilor Byansi Muhammed from Kakoba South A backed these allegations. He revealed that the market collects Shs53 million every month but only accounts for Shs51 million in expenses. According to Byansi, officials ignore repeated requests for financial transparency. He encouraged vendors to elect a new committee committed to lawful and honest management.
Mbarara City Clerk Justine Barekye responded by reminding vendors that market rules require everyone to maintain hygiene at their stalls. She said that while the council handles general sanitation, individual vendors must keep their own spaces clean. Barekye promised to inspect the toilets and ensure water and soap are available, though vendors remain doubtful due to past inaction.
This Mbarara Central Market sanitation issue highlights larger concerns about poor governance, lack of transparency, and insufficient public services. Vendors are no longer asking just for soap and water—they want accountability, fairness, and functional leadership. Without meaningful reform, the market will continue to reflect the consequences of mismanagement.
