The Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, on Wednesday convened a consultative meeting with leaders of Born Again Pentecostal Churches to address concerns surrounding the ongoing implementation of the government’s trade order in urban centres.
The meeting brought together senior church leaders under their joint leadership, headed by Joseph Serwada, in a dialogue aimed at finding common ground on enforcement and its impact on places of worship.
Magyezi explained that the trade order exercise, initiated through a circular issued in March, is intended to restore order in urban areas by enforcing compliance with planning regulations, improving sanitation, and creating safer, more organised business environments.
Highlighting progress made so far, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, noted that the exercise has already yielded visible results across several towns.
“We must protect the gains made so far,” Kumumanya said, citing improved organisation in urban centres, increased occupancy of gazetted markets in towns such as Mbale, Hoima, Nyendo, and Kasese, as well as decongested roads, improved traffic flow, restored drainage systems, and enhanced sanitation.
However, religious leaders raised concerns over the impact of enforcement on churches, pointing to cases where places of worship were affected despite not being located in restricted areas such as road reserves or wetlands. They also highlighted inconsistencies in enforcement and the conduct of some field officers.
In response, government acknowledged the concerns and committed to reviewing the issues raised.
“Places of worship that are operating within the law should not be adversely affected. We are strengthening the breakdown and communication of standard operating procedures to guide enforcement across all local governments, so that implementation is clear, consistent, and leaves no room for confusion,” Magyezi said.
The meeting resolved to strengthen enforcement guidelines, allow additional time for consultations and public sensitisation, and convene a follow-up engagement after broader stakeholder consultations.
Other key government officials in attendance included Milly Babalanda, David Bahati, Hellen Asamo, and Peace Mutuzo.
The dialogue marks a step toward easing tensions and ensuring that implementation of the trade order balances urban management priorities with the rights and operations of religious institutions.