In a move to organize the town, the authorities reopened the park that has been idle for years, forcing all the business operators especially food vendors and transporters to enter inside the park. The directive was followed by swift enforcement by the police.
Vendors in Kumi Municipality have rejected a directive by authorities to vacate the streets.
The streets
especially along the Kumi- Mbale Highway have been congested with food vendors,
trucks, and boda- boda cyclists, which paralyse traffic.
In a move to create a trade order, the authorities reopened the
park that has been idle for years, forcing all the business operators
especially food vendors and transporters to relocate to the park.
However, some of the residents have put up resistance challenging
the municipal directive.
The traders say that the park lacks essential amenities
like security lights and proper sanitation to help the business community and
their clients. They argue that the health and security situation at the new place jeopardizes
both their livelihoods and business.
Aruna Osele, the manager of Wanagon and Teso Coaches says
that the new directive affects their operations because the same institution
has been collecting dues from them for an office located along the highway. All
the bus companies operating in Teso have offices located along the highway
in Kumi town.
Joseph Monday Bagonza, the Kumi
Municipal Town Clerk, reiterated his role in enforcing government directives of
prohibiting business operations along the highway.
He urged the business owners to comply and relocate to the
designated park areas. “We shall not heed to any unfounded claims meant to jeopardize
our operations. We need a clean town, free from accidents and diseases caused
by unregulated conduct and operation of businessmen,” he said.
Cosmas Edatu, the Kumi District Police Commander said that maintaining law and order is a priority and
warned that individuals found violating regulations would face arrest.