Municipal authorities in Tororo are raising alarm over fenced-off commercial plots and deteriorating 1950s-era buildings, warning that stalled redevelopment and poor lighting are undermining urban growth and exposing traders to crime.
Rows of iron-sheet enclosures dominate parts of Tororo’s central business area, blocking access to some of the municipality’s most valuable commercial spaces and raising fresh concerns about stalled redevelopment.
Several of the hoarded plots sit on prime land that previously hosted busy shops and offices. Nearly five years ago, property owners demolished the old structures, citing plans to construct modern buildings in line with the town’s growing population and commercial demands.
However, years later, most of the plots remain idle, with no visible construction activity.
Municipal authorities say the increasing number of fenced-off and undeveloped plots threatens planned urban growth and affects the town’s appearance.
Ayub Alikwan Kisubi, the town clerk for Tororo Municipality, said a number of strategic sites remain abandoned despite earlier redevelopment commitments.
“One is at the main roundabout and two are just near our offices here. The owners demolished the structures and put up hoarding but to date nothing has been done. This makes our town look bad,” he said.
Concerns extend beyond idle plots to aging infrastructure across the municipality.
Leaders from the Tororo Municipal Development Forum estimate that about 70 percent of buildings in the municipality were constructed in the early 1950s, when Tororo was still operating as a town council.
Many of these structures are now visibly dilapidated, raising safety concerns and affecting the town’s aesthetic appeal and long-term economic productivity.
Peter Ekikina, a member of the forum, said the lack of redevelopment reflects broader governance challenges.
“Three-quarters of the town’s structures are condemned. Most were built when this place was still a town council and they remain the same to date. This points to both political and technical leadership gaps,” he said.
Security concerns have also emerged around the enclosed plots.
Business owners say criminals are increasingly taking advantage of fenced-off spaces, particularly at night, to target traders and pedestrians. The situation is compounded by limited street lighting in some parts of the municipality.
“The leadership has failed to be innovative enough to promote the night economy. By 10pm, the streets are totally dark and thieves take advantage to rob us as we return home," said Grace Nyachwo, a trader in the town centre.
"Recently, my close business friend was robbed near the roundabout fence. It was dark, and someone came out of the metal enclosure and grabbed her bag, which contained about 150,000 shillings. This is a lot of money in our tomato business."
In response, the municipal administration says it is preparing to enforce urban development regulations more strictly.
Kisubi revealed that the municipality plans to identify owners of idle plots through the office of the physical planner in order to engage them on reasons for the delays.
“If they fail to develop the land, we may be forced to remove the iron sheets and open up those spaces so that the town is made more physically appealing,” he warned.
Municipal officials also noted that although many developers previously secured approved building plans, development permits are typically valid for 12 months.
Those whose permits have expired may be required to reapply before construction can resume.
Urban development stakeholders argue that if left unaddressed, the growing number of idle commercial plots could slow Tororo’s economic expansion.
They are calling for stricter enforcement of land-use regulations alongside incentives to encourage property redevelopment.
