Tension and uncertainty gripped parts of Kabale Municipality on Monday as municipal authorities intensified an operation to clear illegal street vendors and demolish unauthorized roadside structures, leaving affected traders worried about their livelihoods.
The enforcement exercise, spearheaded by Principal Health Inspector Andrew Beinja, commenced early morning in Northern Division, stretching from Rwakaraba Ward to Burambira Cell in Kijuguta Ward. Using a municipal tractor, authorities demolished structures that had earlier been marked with an “X,” signaling their removal under the enforcement of the Trade Order Act.
Municipal officials maintain that the exercise is intended to restore order, improve sanitation, and ensure business activities are conducted within designated market spaces and approved commercial premises.
Speaking shortly after the operation at Kabale Municipal Headquarters, Deputy Town Clerk Erick Sunday said the municipality had exhausted engagement efforts with traders and property owners before resorting to forceful enforcement.
According to Sunday, those operating illegally had been issued adequate notice to vacate, adding that the municipality could no longer delay implementation of the law.
He further warned that the operation is ongoing and not limited to Northern Division, revealing that enforcement teams are expected to move to Southern Division starting tomorrow. He urged affected traders to relocate to gazetted markets and approved business structures to avoid further losses.
CUE IN SUNDAY….ON ENFORCEMENT…..RR/ENG//
However, the crackdown has triggered frustration among some residents and small-scale traders who say the timing of the operation is harsh, given the current economic hardships.
Residents including Silver Tumuramye, Frank Twinohwezi, and Medard Arineitwe accused municipal authorities of failing to consider the struggles of low-income earners, arguing that many families depend entirely on informal roadside businesses for survival.
They appealed to the municipality to reconsider the implementation timeline, proposing at least a one-year grace period to enable affected traders to organize themselves and relocate without disrupting household incomes.
The residents warned that abrupt demolitions risk deepening poverty among already struggling families and called for a more humane approach that balances law enforcement with economic realities.
CUE IN LOCALS…..ON TRADE ORDER……RR//
