Traders in Rubaare Town Council, Ntungamo District, are in distress as authorities prepare to enforce a trade order set to take effect on April 15, following a 14-day ultimatum issued to vendors operating in temporary structures, kiosks, and along streets.
The directive, aimed at restoring order and improving urban planning, has sparked anxiety among business owners who say they have nowhere to relocate, raising fears of widespread loss of livelihoods.
In a letter signed by Town Clerk Emmanuel Byamukama, the council stated it will effect “the enforcement of trade order in town effective 15th April without compromise,” a position that has heightened tension among traders.
Many traders argue that the timeframe is too short to allow for proper preparation or relocation.
“You are now told to go away. You are not given any place to be in. People come and say go away. They have been giving a specific period of time ranging from 14 days to 15. In Rubaare they are saying by April 15, people should vacate the place. Those days are not enough,” said Ambrose Nuwahereza Kyenjoga.
He added, “We are suggesting that if they can increase on the number of days so that people can prepare themselves and find refuge instead of telling them to go away.”
The lack of alternative market space remains a central concern among traders and residents.
Mubarak Twine questioned whether local authorities have made adequate preparations to accommodate those affected.
“Here in Rwebikona, in Ntungamo, people need a market where to run to. I won’t blame the government, but what does the Town Council have in plan for these traders?” he asked.
Others warn that enforcing the order without a transition plan could leave trading hubs deserted and disrupt local economies.
“In Ntungamo and Kamwokya in particular, and Rwebikona, if they dismantle these structures, the whole place will remain empty. We ask for at least five more years,” said Dickson Turyamuhakyi.
Similarly, Joshua Turyahabwe said the policy is being implemented prematurely in developing towns.
“This act should have been taken to big towns and cities that have existed for over 100 years, but Rubaare is still developing. For this town to develop, they should leave these lockups to stay for at least five to six years,” he said.
Despite the outcry, district authorities maintain that the enforcement is necessary to ensure proper urban planning.
Ntungamo Chief Administrative Officer Fildeus Kizza defended the move, noting that orderly development must be prioritised across all urban centres.
“Government is spending more money on urban centers because they want to give proper planning in those centres. If you clean Ntungamo Municipality and leave Rubaare and Rwashamaire, that’s creating future problems,” Kizza said.
He added, “It is much better to put order in a town which is already messed up.”
Ntungamo District comprises 12 town councils, all of which are expected to implement the trade order as part of broader efforts to streamline urban development and eliminate unregulated structures.