Streetlights boost night economy in Mubende

Business operators in Mubende Municipality are celebrating the recent installation of street lights, crediting the initiative with enabling them to extend their working hours into the night.

Mubende is one of the municipalities benefiting from the World Bank-funded Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program, which has financed the construction of several roads equipped with street lights.

Mayor Innocent Ssekiziivu highlighted the impact of the street lights on the local economy. "These lights have transformed the night economy, allowing traders to work late into the night. This has significantly improved their income," he said.

"Before, the town would empty by 7 PM, but now, activity continues past midnight. I encourage residents to seize this opportunity and start small businesses," Ssekiziivu added.

The busiest streets at night include Kubaanga, Kabaleega, Kyewarabye, Main Street, and Habib Street. Business operators on these roads have expressed their gratitude.

"We can now work at night without fear. This wasn't possible before," said one trader.

Daphne Nalubega, a local snack vendor, echoed the sentiment.

"Thanks to the street lights, we can work even during power outages. This has allowed me to make profits and send my two children to school," she shared.

In 2020, the Municipality signed an agreement with China Wu-Yi Construction Company Limited for initial construction.

Further agreements were signed in 2022 with Scaffolding Engineering Construction Company Limited and China Railway No. 2 Construction Company Limited for additional development.