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Mbale City Authorities and Police Launch Operation Against Street Vendors in Key City Areas

18 February, 2025
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Mbale City authorities, in collaboration with the police, conducted an operation on Tuesday targeting street vendors in various areas of the city, including Mbale Central Market, Republic Street, and Naboa Road.


The operation was prompted by the city's efforts to restore order, as the presence of street vendors had contributed to disorganization, dirtiness, and disorder in the city center. According to James Kutosi, the Mbale City Public Relations Officer, the operation followed a warning notice issued to street vendors, instructing them to vacate the streets within two days.

However, many vendors failed to comply, which led the city authorities to take action. Kutosi pointed out that a significant number of street vendors had abandoned recognized markets like Mbale Central and Kumi Road, choosing to operate on the streets for reasons that remain unclear.

Rogers Taitika, the Elgon Region Police Spokesperson, confirmed the arrest of several street vendors, stating that the police would conduct screening before releasing the names of those arrested.

Musa Kasaja, the Speaker of Mbale City Industrial Division, criticized the city's approach, saying that creating an alternative market for street vendors would have been a more effective solution. 

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