Mbarara Vendors Praise Museveni, Decry High Market Charges As Hajjat Namyalo Intervenes During ONC Visit

By Gad Masereka

The vibrant atmosphere of Mbarara City came alive on Thursday as the Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Senior Presidential Advisor Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, spent the day engaging with residents, traders, and youth in a series of activities aimed at strengthening the bond between citizens and the NRM government.

Her visit, which began at Mbarara Central Market, drew hundreds of vendors eager to share their experiences and challenges under the recently completed government infrastructure projects.

Accompanied by Mbarara City NRM Chairman and former Mayor Hon. Tumwine Wilson, Hajjat Namyalo was greeted with excitement as she made her way through the bustling market. Vendors spoke with visible gratitude toward President Yoweri Museveni for delivering a modern trading space that has improved hygiene and business operations. Yet beneath the applause lay concerns over what many described as high operational charges levied by the city council.

Nsengimana Abas, a dry fish trader, commended the government for constructing the state-of-the-art market but lamented the heavy monthly expenses. He explained that vendors are charged between UGX 100,000 and 200,000 for electricity, even when power is not consistently supplied, alongside additional costs for water and workspace rent. Other traders echoed similar frustrations, appealing to the ONC to relay their concerns directly to the President for redress.

A common call among the vendors was for the government to simplify access to the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds. They urged that money be sent directly to beneficiaries through mobile platforms like MTN and Airtel to eliminate the delays caused by local bureaucracies. Their request, they argued, would ensure that small traders benefit more swiftly and transparently from the program intended to uplift grassroots livelihoods.

Tensions also emerged as some Muslim vendors accused Market Chairman Emmanuel Muhumuza of religious bias, alleging that he had closed the market mosque.

Muhumuza dismissed the claims as false, maintaining that the market was established as a trading center, not a worship venue, and that the accusations were fueled by personal differences among traders.

In a calming response, Hajjat Namyalo reassured the traders that their immediate concerns were being addressed. She announced that water and electricity bills for November and December would be cleared through a local intervention initiated by Hon. Tumwine and other leaders. She further encouraged the vendors to remain united, emphasizing that development flourishes in an atmosphere of peace and cooperation.

The market visit was followed by a lively sports gala at Kakyeka Stadium, where Namyalo joined youth under the “Bazzukulu ba Museveni” initiative for the Mbarara City NRM Cup.

The event, organized by the ONC to promote youth engagement, drew participants from six universities and featured activities such as cycling, netball, volleyball, and football. The final football match between Mbarara City South Division and North Division ended in a closely contested duel that kept spectators on edge until the final whistle.

Speaking to the crowd, Hajjat Namyalo urged the youth to rally behind President Museveni and the NRM’s vision of stability and transformation. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fight corruption and promote transparency, declaring that the coming years would see stronger measures against officials who frustrate service delivery.

She also announced plans to work with Hon. Tumwine Wilson to petition the President for the upgrade of Kakyeka Stadium to national standards, noting that sports have the potential to become a major source of employment and wealth creation for Uganda’s young population. Her message resonated strongly with the audience, many of whom viewed the day’s events as a testament to the NRM’s ongoing engagement with ordinary citizens.

As dusk fell over Mbarara, the visit left an unmistakable impression of connection and renewed hope. Vendors, local leaders, and youth alike described Hajjat Namyalo’s outreach as a reflection of the ONC’s growing commitment to grassroots empowerment and a reminder that the government remains within reach of its people.

Her presence, they said, symbolized more than political mobilization—it was a listening ear and a promise of action from the very heart of the ruling establishment.