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Kumi Traders Defy Orders to Vacate Streets

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.
19 Jan 2025 10:49
Kumi business community in a meeting with Municipal offiicials.

Audio 1

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.

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