MBARARA POLICE FOILS PLANNED TRADERS DEMO OVER KATETE BRIDGE DELAY

By Aggrey Twesigye

MBARARA

There was heavy deployment on Thursday at Katete Bridge to stop a planned demonstration of traders under their umbrella Mbarara city Traders Association (MBACITA) over the stalled construction of Katete bridge.

The traders had arranged to shut their shops and assemble at Katete Bridge to unite in demanding the prompt construction of the bridge.

However police swung into action and stopped the demonstration before the traders could take to the streets.

Mbarara city council authorities closed down the bridge about three weeks ago after part of it caved in.

The closure of the bridge has since affected businesses and general transport, forcing residents to mount pressure on the city leadership. They have been demanding an explanation on the way forward since the only alternative route is too far from the central business district.

The closed bridge connects Katete, one of the fastest growing suburbs in Mbarara City, and the central business district.

The traders who intimated to our reporter explained that much as they have been patient for 3 weeks,the city authorities are yet to respond to to this emergency.