NTUNGAMO, UGANDA – Business in Ntungamo Municipality was put on hold on Wednesday as authorities enforced the national trade order to clear illegal and temporary structures from public spaces and highways.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The operation, which began at 7:00 a.m., was led by Deputy Town Clerk Walabyeki Andrew, division officials, law enforcement, police, and the community. Over 70 kiosks and containers were cleared.
Deputy Town Clerk Walabyeki Andrew told the press that about 90% of the business owners complied with the exercise, noting that the first day went smoothly with no confrontation, as traders had ample time to relocate to gazetted areas.
He insisted that the enforcement team would continue to implement the directive for five consecutive days to ensure that no stone was left unturned.
“We are pleased with the compliance, which stands at over 90%. The first day went smoothly without any confrontation because traders were given ample time to relocate to gazetted areas. Our enforcement team will continue this operation for five consecutive days to ensure that no stone is left unturned,” said Walabyeki Andrew.
The Deputy Town Clerk hailed the business community for supporting the exercise to demolish all illegal containers, kiosk shops, and makeshift stalls after the expiry of the 14-day ultimatum issued at midnight by Ntungamo Municipal Council authorities.
However, some traders insisted that the allotted time was insufficient to find alternative locations for their containers and store their goods while they looked for better settlement structures.
Traders noted that they were not opposed to the operation and understood the need for an organized town; they were willing to relocate provided they were given enough time instead of having their properties destroyed.
“We are not opposed to the operation, and we fully understand the need to keep our town organized. However, we are willing to relocate, provided we are given enough time instead of destroying our properties. Rushing this process only leaves us counting losses instead of building our livelihoods,” traders explained.
In mid-March this year, the municipal council authorities issued a notice to all street vendors informing them of their planned eviction as part of a nationwide operation to restore order in trade.
Traders were directed to relocate to gazetted areas on Kankore Road, Mbarara Yebigyere, Kyamate–Mirama Road, and Garage Street.
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