In the heart of Mbarara City, where the daily hustle of fresh produce, colorful fabrics, and the chatter of bargaining fills the air, a dark cloud has settled over Kora Norya Daily Market. More than 700 hardworking vendors, many of whom have built their lives around this bustling hub, now face the looming threat of eviction.
The dispute stems from the family of the late Sulaiman Mulebera, who have stepped forward asserting ownership of the land on which the market sits. The claim has reignited long-standing tensions over land rights in the rapidly growing city, leaving hundreds of traders uncertain about their future.
A Community on Edge
For years, Kora Norya has served as one of the busiest markets in Mbarara, drawing customers from surrounding neighborhoods and nearby districts. On any given day, trucks offload fresh fruits and vegetables from rural farms, vendors arrange second-hand clothes and household tools, and families rely on the market’s daily trade to survive.
Now, that lifeline hangs in the balance.
Many vendors—mothers selling matooke at dawn, fathers trading hardware items, and young entrepreneurs carving out small businesses—say the prospect of eviction is devastating. Beyond lost income, they fear the collapse of relationships and supply chains that have sustained them for years.
Authorities Raise Concerns
Jacklyn Kankunda, Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Mbarara City North Division, has acknowledged the dispute and expressed concern over how the market has been managed. According to her, the Mulebera family has long held the market’s tender, effectively controlling operations.
She alleged that vendors have faced harassment and unfair treatment, and raised questions about whether revenue generated from the market has been properly remitted to the city council. These claims have intensified scrutiny over the tender process and oversight mechanisms.
Land Rights vs. Public Interest
The Mulebera family maintains that the land was inherited and rightfully belongs to them. They are reportedly seeking compensation from the government to resolve the matter. However, questions remain about how the market was established on contested land and whether due diligence was exercised by city authorities.
The standoff highlights a broader challenge facing urban centers across Uganda: balancing historical land ownership claims with modern economic realities. As Mbarara expands, such disputes are becoming increasingly common, often leaving ordinary citizens caught in legal and administrative crossfire.
Wider Urban Tensions
The Kora Norya dispute comes amid ongoing debates about street vendors and urban order in Mbarara. City leaders have previously discussed relocating traders to designated zones to streamline operations and improve sanitation and traffic flow.
However, critics argue that relocation efforts, if poorly managed, risk disrupting livelihoods—particularly for women traders who form the backbone of informal commerce.
What Lies Ahead?
For now, uncertainty dominates. Vendors are organizing and voicing their concerns, urging authorities to find a transparent and fair resolution. Many hope that compensation negotiations, if handled properly, could secure the market’s future while addressing the family’s claims.
The outcome of this dispute could set an important precedent—not only for Mbarara but for other growing cities grappling with similar land conflicts.
Behind the legal arguments and policy debates are real families whose survival depends on daily trade. As discussions continue, all eyes are on government leaders to ensure that progress does not come at the cost of the very people who keep the city’s economy alive.
