Mbale Industrial Park Teams Up with City for New Vendor Market

The Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park has joined forces with Mbale City Council to create a dedicated market for local vendors right in front of the park’s main gate. This development will allow residents to offer fresh produce, snacks, food, and services directly to employees and guests at the facility.

Laurent Zhang, the park’s administration manager, highlighted the project’s goal of fostering stronger ties between the industrial operations and nearby residents. He noted it would also enhance access to affordable products made inside the park.

The announcement came during an Eid event on March 20, 2026, where factories in the park donated goods worth Shs150 million plus Shs50 million in cash to the Muslim community. Items included household appliances, clothing, food essentials, tricycles, refrigerators, TVs, school bags, prayer mats, and cooking oil, received by Regional Assistant Mufti Sheikh Ahmed Hamid Wandega.

Commissioned in 2018, the 619-acre park boasts a $600 million (Shs2.2 trillion) investment and hosts 78 factories, with 60 currently active. These produce textiles, glass, electronics, detergents, and baby products, sourcing materials locally and from countries like China, India, South Korea, the US, and Dubai.

Mbale City Mayor Joyce Kidulu Matuka praised the market plan for boosting local livelihoods alongside the jobs already provided by the park. Resident City Commissioner George William Wopuwa linked it to national goals for job creation and industrial growth, while Woman MP Lydia Wanyoto Mutende and Wandega emphasized its role in poverty reduction and the shift from subsistence farming to industry.

Source: Daily Monitor