Balaam pledges govt support to Mbarara timber market fire victims
Barugahara, who was in Mbarara City on August 4, 2026, as part of his nationwide accountability campaign, visited the site to assess the damage and address traders. The minister ordered the Mbarara City Council authorities to immediately identify and secure relocation land to accommodate the vendors.
Police have launched investigations into the cause of the fire, according to Rwizi Region Police spokesperson Samson Kasasira. (Credit: Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
MBARARA - Local government minister Balaam Barugahara has pledged urgent government support for timber traders whose businesses on Major Victor Bwana Road in Mbarara City were destroyed in a devastating overnight fire.
Barugahara, who was in Mbarara City on August 4, 2026, as part of his nationwide accountability campaign, visited the site to assess the damage and address traders. The minister ordered the Mbarara City Council authorities to immediately identify and secure relocation land to accommodate the vendors.
The devastating fire struck the Major Victor Bwana Timber Market in Mbarara City on Tuesday morning, destroying property and equipment estimated to be worth billions of shillings.
“I have directed Mbarara City mayor and his leadership to secure a space on any government land in Mbarara City and relocate all the timber traders on Victor Bwana Street," he stated.
Police have launched investigations into the cause of the fire, according to Rwizi Region Police spokesperson Samson Kasasira.
During the visit, the minister also ordered the arrest and interdiction of Mbarara city officials, including city clerk Justine Barekye and her deputy, Simon Ejua, over allegations of causing financial loss to government and mismanagement of public funds.
The officials were handed over to police to record statements and were directed to vacate their offices pending the completion of investigations.
Barugahara, who was in Mbarara City on August 4, 2026, as part of his nationwide accountability campaign, visited the site to assess the damage and address traders. (Credit: Abdulkarim Ssengendo)
Barugahara also ordered a forensic investigation into the funds spent on the rehabilitation of Katete Bridge. According to the minister, the sh363 million spent on the bridge does not reflect the value of the work observed on the ground.
“I have seen the nature of the bridge. It's quite a big load; the bridge takes thousands and thousands of people. As a matter of fact, I am going to remind the President...the problem will be sorted," the minister stated.
During a visit to Mbarara Central Market, the minister ordered the election of new leadership following traders' complaints about high electricity and water bills, among other issues.
The minister also directed wealthy traders in Mbarara to vacate the market to create space for low-income earners. Barugahara explained that President Yoweri Museveni constructed the markets to be owned and managed by ordinary vendors in order to protect them from high fees imposed by wealthy operators.
“If you know that you are a landlord, your time has ended today. President Museveni constructed these markets specifically for low-income earners but not for rich people,” Barugahara stated.
Mbarara city leaders, led by city mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi and Mbarara City Woman MP Charity Kibaaju, hailed the minister's intervention, particularly in the fight against corruption.
"Thank you, honourable minister, for lending your voice to the fight against corruption. We deeply appreciate your professional approach to addressing this critical issue in the country." Kakyebezi stated.