Masindi Municipality demolishes illegal structures to restore trade order

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Masindi Municipality authorities have begun demolishing illegal structures as part of efforts to restore trade order and organise Masindi town.

On Monday (March 16), officials from Masindi Municipality, protected by police, spent much of the day demolishing illegal permanent and semi-permanent structures.

Prior to the enforcement, warnings were issued to the business community in writing and through local radio stations, but some individuals remained non-compliant.

Patrick Asiimwe, the acting deputy town clerk briefing the police officers at the municipal headquarters. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)

Patrick Asiimwe, the acting deputy town clerk of Masindi, who was at the forefront of the enforcement, stated that the environment has been messed up by illegal and unplanned structures, and the major aim is to restore order.

Kiosks, shades constructed in front of houses and semi-permanent structures built in lanes were all demolished.

Josephine Nalusibwa, a trader on Karibuni Lane, expressed concern that removing shades would cause difficulties during the rainy season. "My appeal is that at least shades should be left," Nalusibwa said.

Another trader, identified only as Hassan, said he had recently paid sh450,000 in tax to the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and sh150,000 for ground rent to Masindi Municipality.

Traders argued that the enforcement should not be selective and should apply to everyone in town.

Others felt they should have been given more time to prepare instead of being confronted with such force.

They also expressed concern that the demolition of structures housing their businesses would render many jobless.

"Why have they decided to do it after elections and after we have paid our taxes? It's where we earn a living and get school fees for our children, but now we are stranded," said Sauda Alinaitwe, a trader from Masindi town.

All demolished items were taken to the municipal headquarters. Illegal kiosks and lock-ups were removed amid resistance from some individuals.

Asiimwe explained that the exercise aims to reduce congestion in the town centre, ensure abandoned markets and structures are occupied, and streamline business operations.

Long overdue

Masindi town has been plagued by confusion regarding trade order, parking and illegal structures, which have disorganised the entire area.

Masindi municipal officials loading pieces of demolished structures on their tipper lorry. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)

While some, particularly those who owned the illegal structures, condemned the Municipality's actions, many residents welcomed it, saying order has been restored.

"This has been long overdue. We are supposed to have an organised town. I have been asking myself whether we have leadership or not. We have been seeing many illegal structures mushrooming around town without any action," said James Asinguza, a resident of Masindi town.

Commenting on the matter, Masindi municipality town clerk Daniel Kasala noted that this is a national programme that will be fully implemented.

"This exercise is about trade order, and there's no compromise. This is aimed at putting the town back to order," he said, adding that town clerks received instructions from the Secretary to Cabinet and the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Local Government.

He emphasised that Masindi has been disorganised for too long, and it is time for it to be organised.

"We have given people ample time because two weeks isn't a small amount of time. You find buyers without anywhere to park," he said, noting that the actions are being carried out according to rules and regulations.

Kasala stated that Masindi Municipality is among those that will benefit from the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development Programme (USMID), adding that it needs to be prepared before its full implementation.

He also noted that the exercise will continue until order is restored in Masindi town, and anyone who does not comply will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.