Leaders in Mubende Municipality have cautioned Mubende District Chairperson Michael Muhereza Ntambi against allegedly inciting violence among street vendors over the enforcement of town order regulations.
The warning follows allegations that Ntambi mobilised taxi operators and traders to resist a municipal directive requiring taxis to stop loading and offloading passengers at various locations within the town, particularly along the Mubende Highway, where many vendors conduct business. The municipality had earlier directed that all passenger loading and offloading activities be conducted exclusively at the designated taxi park.
The dispute has heightened tensions between district and municipal leaders, with both sides accusing each other of undermining service delivery and public order.
Speaking during a security meeting chaired by Mubende Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Fred Kyamuzigita Nayebare and attended by municipal leaders and the District Chairperson, Mubende Town Clerk Daniel Kasala urged leaders to respect established administrative procedures.
“Leaders should use the appropriate offices and legal channels whenever they have concerns. Mobilising members of the public against government programmes only creates confusion and unnecessary tension,” Kasala said.
Municipal authorities maintain that the directive was introduced to streamline traffic flow, improve public safety, and restore order within the central business district.
However, Chairman Ntambi argues that the restrictions negatively affect traders and taxi operators who depend on customers accessing businesses located along the highway.
“My responsibility is to defend the interests of the people. The concerns of traders and transport operators must be listened to before such decisions are fully implemented,” Ntambi said.
The disagreement prompted the District Security Committee to intervene amid concerns that the standoff could escalate into public disorder.
Addressing the meeting, RDC Fred Kyamuzigita warned leaders against interfering with government programmes and cautioned that those found obstructing lawful directives could face legal consequences.
“Government programmes should be implemented without interference. Any leader with concerns should follow the appropriate procedures rather than mobilising the public against lawful decisions,” Kyamuzigita warned.
The RDC further urged both district and municipal leaders to prioritise dialogue and cooperation to avoid disrupting service delivery to residents.
The issue of taxi loading and offloading operations dominated discussions during the security meeting, with leaders agreeing on the need to maintain law and order while seeking lasting solutions to concerns raised by traders and transport operators.
As the disagreement continues, residents are closely watching to see whether district and municipal authorities can find common ground on the implementation of the town order regulations.
