Tension has escalated in Jinja City after traders and kiosk owners clashed with city council enforcement officers who began marking roadside structures scheduled for demolition next week.
The confrontation took place in the industrial area commonly known as Bugembe Agali Awamu, where authorities moved in to label kiosks and temporary structures they say were illegally erected along road reserves.
City officials had previously given traders a two-week grace period to vacate the roadside spaces, which expires on Sunday, March 14.
Enforcement operations, including removal of vendors and demolition of illegal structures, are set to begin on Monday.
A chaotic scene unfolded as traders, cargo loaders, and kiosk operators confronted officials carrying out the marking exercise.
Many argued they had operated in the area for years and accused city leadership of failing to provide alternative trading spaces before enforcing the evictions.
The traders said they are simply trying to earn a living and appealed for designated spaces before being forced off the streets.
However, Rajab Kito, the Jinja City Council spokesperson, maintained that the eviction is lawful and necessary to restore order and improve road usage.
“The vendors, kiosk operators and owners of illegal structures already have a letter from the Town Clerk giving them an ultimatum up to March 14. They should heed that letter because on Monday we are starting enforcement,” Kito said.
He added that the city has been conducting similar operations for more than two and a half years, emphasizing that this exercise should not come as a surprise to those operating illegally.
Some traders questioned the council’s priorities, arguing that road conditions should be improved before evictions are carried out.
“We are being chased from operating on a road which is in a deplorable state. Jinja City Council should first rehabilitate their roads before they chase us,” said Samson Kitamirike, a vendor at Bugembe Agali Awamu.
Kito dismissed the argument, insisting that poor road conditions do not justify illegal occupation.
“When you have a broken tap at home it doesn’t mean the entire compound should be littered with garbage. Yes, some roads are in bad state, and we are rehabilitating them gradually, but that cannot justify illegal businesses along the roads,” he said.
City authorities also warned that the crackdown will extend to mechanics repairing vehicles along city streets, which violates regulations and damages road infrastructure.
“The laws of the land do not allow repairing vehicles on the road, but you find many mechanics, especially along Kirinya Road, Spire Road, and Engineer Zikusooka Road, doing so. The grease and oil they spill damages the tarmac, and we shall not hesitate to arrest mechanics operating without gazetted garages,” Kito said.
The impending demolitions have heightened anxiety among traders who fear losing their only source of livelihood, while city authorities argue the operation is necessary to enforce urban order and protect public infrastructure.
