In 2017, traders from Mbarara Central Market were relocated to the park to pave way for the construction of a new market under the Markets and Agricultural Trade Improvement program - MATIP II.
Mbarara City
Council and the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE) are
to restore the green cover in Independence Park.
In 2017, traders from Mbarara Central Market were relocated to the park
to pave way for the construction of a new market under the Markets and
Agricultural Trade Improvement program - MATIP II.
The
decision to relocate the vendors displeased ecologists who say that the move
was dangerous for nature. The independence park was a popular destination for
people who want to relax, attracted by the cool and green environment.
The environmentalists argued that the independence park needs to be preserved
as the main green space in the area.
Following
the completion of the market, Mbarara City and ACODE have patterned to restore
the park.
Priscah
Murongo Muganzi, the Deputy City Mayor says that after the vendors have shifted
to the new market, there are plans to plant more than 1,000 trees.
//Cue in: “we are shifting…
Cue out:
…aga namaani gaACODE.”//
Dr. Arthur
Bainomugisha the Executive Director of ACODE says the restoration of the park
will keep away people who had intentions of grabbing government land.
//Cue in:
“independence park kandi…
Cue out: …a
green park.”//
Geoffrey
Rurekyera, an environmentalist Advocate welcomes the restoration of the park saying
that the park was the only open space with a breath of cool and fresh air in
Mbarara.
