Masindi Municipality evicts street vendors, demolishes temporary structures
He appealed to the public to comply with the exercise, warning that authorities will enforce the directive on those who refuse to vacate the streets.
Masindi: Authorities in Masindi Municipality have commenced an operation to evict street vendors and demolish temporary structures in the town’s business centre.
The exercise, which started this morning, saw several temporary structures erected along verandas and roads demolished by municipal authorities guarded by police.
Daniel Kasala, the Masindi Municipal Town Clerk said the operation aims to restore order in the town following an influx of people from rural areas who had started operating businesses along streets.
Kasala explained that the affected vendors can relocate their businesses to gazetted markets including Kirasa Market, Kasigwa Market, and Kijura Market, where space is available.
Kasala added that the exercise is part of a nationwide operation to streamline business operations in urban centres, noting that many traders had shifted to the streets and road reserves, causing traffic congestion.
He also revealed that the municipality is preparing for the upcoming Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development (UCMID) project, which will involve road improvements, paving of walkways, and reorganizing businesses in the town.
Kasala appealed to the public to comply with the exercise, warning that authorities will enforce the directive on those who refuse to vacate the streets.
He further said the operation will continue until order is fully restored in the municipality, emphasizing that non-compliant structures will be demolished by force.
Kasala added that vendors and business operators will be zoned to ensure proper organization of businesses within the municipality.
Allan Byamukama, a trader in the municipality, said the eviction will cause financial losses for both the traders and the municipality.
He argued that many vendors rely on the street businesses to support their families and warned that the move could increase criminal activities among unemployed youth.
Hassan Alinaitwe, a boutique operator, said traders pay several taxes to both the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and the municipality but receive inadequate services.
He noted that garbage collection in the town is often delayed, yet authorities are now demolishing their shades.
Josephine Ayesiga, also a boutique operator, said the removal of their shades will affect them during the rainy season since the remaining shelter space is small. She appealed to the government to allow traders to replace the demolished shades.
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