Chaos at Mbarara Central Market as Vendors Find Shops Locked by Unknown Individuals

Mbarara City – Business operations at Mbarara Central Market were disrupted on Tuesday morning after dozens of vendors arrived to find their shops locked by individuals they did not recognize.

The unexpected development left many traders stranded and unable to access their merchandise, causing confusion and concern throughout the market.

According to Emmanuel Muhumuza, the Chairperson of the Mbarara Vendors Association, vendors were shocked to discover that several shops had been locked overnight without prior notice or communication from the authorities.

Muhumuza said the incident has raised serious questions among traders, many of whom rely on daily sales for their livelihoods. He noted that the affected vendors are demanding immediate clarification from the relevant authorities regarding who ordered the closure of the shops and the reasons behind the action.

“The vendors arrived ready to begin their normal business activities only to find their shops inaccessible. They want answers about who is responsible and why this was done without their knowledge,” Muhumuza said.

The closure disrupted normal market operations, with many traders gathering to seek explanations while others were forced to suspend business for the day.

Market leaders have called upon city authorities and other responsible agencies to urgently address the matter and restore access to the affected shops in order to prevent further losses for traders.

By press time, the authorities had not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.