Each morning in Rubaare Town Council began the same way—traders rolling up shutters, arranging their goods, and greeting neighbours and early customers with easy, genuine smiles.
It was a rhythm built on hope, on the quiet determination to make enough for the day, to keep going.
Even with weeks of looming eviction threats hanging in the air, many still believed Wednesday would be no different—just another day of scraping by, of selling, of surviving.
But the calm did not last.
The soft hum of trade was shattered by the jarring clang of pickaxes and the sharp slice of machetes, as enforcement teams descended on the town centre.
In moments, the familiar scene gave way to chaos—structures ripped apart, property damaged, and livelihoods upended in a forceful demolition that turned routine into ruin.
Tension and frustration have gripped Rubaare Town Council after authorities, backed by a heavy police presence, carried out a demolition exercise that left traders counting heavy losses.
The operation followed the expiry of a 14-day ultimatum issued by local leaders and was executed on a busy market day.
Armed with pangas, hammers, and axes, enforcement teams brought down structures, paralysing business and triggering outrage among affected traders.
Several residents said the demolition went beyond the structures initially marked for removal.
Some permanent buildings were partially destroyed, with broken windows and damaged walls, while verandas were unevenly affected—some structures demolished, others left standing but damaged. Nearby plantations were also cut down, compounding losses.
Town Clerk Emanuel Byamukama defended the operation, saying it was necessary to restore order and enforce trade regulations.
“We concentrated on opening service lanes. We had numerous toilets within. We had to demolish them plus the temporary structures," Byamukama said.
"We didn’t have any resistance because people of Rubaare have already seen what is happening in other areas. They cooperated and we have no problem. We have made sure that all structures that needed to be demolished were demolished without favour."
He dismissed complaints from residents who claimed their structures had not been marked, suggesting that some individuals may have tampered with the ‘X’ markings placed on buildings slated for demolition.
However, residents disputed this account. Nelson Buhamizo, a local resident, said essential facilities were destroyed indiscriminately.
“The town council has demolished kitchens and toilets, even those not marked,” he said.
The destruction of sanitation facilities has raised fresh public health concerns. Emmy Muwanguzi warned that the loss of toilets could expose the community to disease outbreaks.
“They have destroyed toilets. What will we use? Won’t this bring cholera?” she asked.
Others criticised the manner in which the exercise was conducted, describing it as chaotic and poorly planned. Lorence Ninyesiga said the lack of proper equipment worsened the situation.
“They are using only manpower without machinery. All structures have been left standing in a disorganised manner,” he noted.
Following the crackdown, authorities have directed traders and residents to clear any remaining structures deemed illegal, further increasing pressure on those already affected.
Meanwhile, in areas such as Kamwokya within Rubaare Town Council, more than 300 kiosk and container operators complied with the directive and relocated voluntarily ahead of the enforcement.
Their compliance contrasts sharply with the chaotic scenes elsewhere, highlighting gaps in communication and implementation.
