Traders in Mbirizi Town Council, Lwengo District, have protested against a directive to relocate from their roadside trading spaces to a newly established market, saying they were not adequately consulted and questioning why local authorities are directing them to a privately owned facility rather than a public one. The vendors gathered at council offices to demand explanations from local leaders about the relocation order and the conditions under which they will operate in the new venue. They fear that moving could disrupt their businesses, increase operating costs and threaten their livelihoods at a time when they are already paying taxes to the town council.
The traders raised specific concerns about the privately owned nature of the market and the lack of clarity over its management and financial arrangements. They said they have been paying taxes to Mbirizi Town Council while operating from their current locations and wanted clarification on why they must move to a facility whose ownership and control they do not understand. One trader said: "We have been working from these places and paying the town council taxes. We do not understand why we are being chased away without being given a suitable alternative." The vendors are demanding either permission to continue from their existing locations or relocation arrangements that would protect their businesses.
Mbirizi Town Council Mayor Hajji Mustafa Nyindo defended the directive, saying all traders selling foodstuffs must operate from within the designated market rather than along streets. He said the measure was intended to organise trading activities and ensure food vendors operate from an established area. The mayor stated he would not allow traders to sell food outside the market regardless of their circumstances or political support, and accused some individuals of attempting to frustrate the exercise for political reasons. "I have directed everyone selling foodstuffs to operate from inside the market. I will not allow anyone to sell from wherever they want outside the market," Nyindo said.
The new market, reportedly constructed about a week before the protest, accommodates vendors selling various food products including cooked food, roasted items, chicken and goats. However, the traders' main concern remains the private ownership structure and the absence of clear terms governing their operation there. Lwengo District Chairperson Abas Kizitto has appealed for calm and pledged to engage the market owner to find a solution. Kizitto visited the market to assess the situation and hear traders' concerns, urging vendors to remain patient while discussions with the market owner are arranged. "We are going to engage the owner of this market and see how the traders can be allowed to operate here. I ask everyone to remain calm and continue working as we seek a lasting solution," Kizitto said. The dispute remains unresolved, with negotiations expected to determine whether an arrangement can be reached.