Poor Street Lighting Slows Kabale’s Night Economy

Traders and residents say insecurity and darkness are discouraging late-night activity, although authorities report that businesses operating after dark are gradually increasing.

Kabale Municipality’s night economy remains sluggish, with many businesses closing in the early evening as poor street lighting continues to limit activity after dark.

Residents say several parts of the town have remained poorly lit for more than three years, creating insecurity and discouraging people from moving around or doing business at night.

As night falls and temperatures drop, Kabale town quickly empties as residents drive or walk home after work. Only a few hotels, bars and other businesses remain open into the night.

Residents say Kabale was previously known for a vibrant nightlife, with some businesses operating until as late as 5am, but the situation has changed, with darkness and insecurity affecting late-night activity.

Timothy Niwamanya and Yarendi Yesuariho said Kabale’s night economy remains among the least active in the region, with limited business activity after sunset.

They attributed the slow growth partly to poor street lighting, saying the darkness makes it difficult for people to move around and operate businesses safely at night.

Residents also raised concerns about attacks by suspected machete-wielding men, particularly against people living away from the town centre.

“The town is too dark at night. There is no business and it is not safe to move around,” residents said.

“We are being attacked by men with machetes at night. The darkness has given them an opportunity,” they added.

However, some residents believe Kabale’s night economy is gradually recovering.

Job Namanya said the situation has improved compared with previous years when it was difficult to find businesses such as bars operating at night.

“The night economy is slowly coming up. We now have events almost every day. Kabale is becoming a vibrant town,” Namanya said.

Kigezi Region Police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime said the enforcement of the trade order has encouraged more people to engage in night businesses, although the development has created additional security concerns.

He said police have introduced measures, including night patrols, to protect people operating businesses after dark.

Michael Kyakashari, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kabale District, said the town’s location near the border and joint security operations have contributed to the growth of its night economy.

He, however, acknowledged that inadequate street lighting remains a major security challenge.

“The night economy is growing, but poor lighting is still a big challenge and a security risk,” Kyakashari said.