Eronda
JF-Expert Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 219
- 172
Residents of Jinja City have expressed mixed reactions following the enforcement of a new trade order aimed at improving urban organisation and business operations.
A section of traders and residents has welcomed the directive, describing it as a timely intervention to restore order, fairness, and professionalism in the city’s commercial sector. Some business owners operating in formal premises say the move will promote healthy competition and attract investment.
The enforcement is being implemented across divisions, including Jinja Northern and Southern divisions, as well as along major highways and trading centres.
However, other residents have criticised the exercise, accusing city authorities of inadequate sensitisation and failure to provide clear relocation alternatives for affected traders.
Mr Badru Nabugo, LC I chairperson of Main Street West, said many traders were being evicted from spaces now classified as illegal or road reserves despite previously being allocated by authorities.
“We are not happy with the approach used to remove us without being told where to relocate our businesses. We also want development, but it should be implemented in a fair and organized manner,” he said.
He added that the evictions have left many youths and single mothers stranded, disrupting small businesses that support their livelihoods and contributing to rising insecurity in the area.
Mr Daniel Gabula Kyankone, Executive Director of the Busoga Business Community, also faulted the process, saying it failed to consider that many street vendors had been contributing revenue to the council.
Once regarded as one of Uganda’s best-planned towns before its elevation to city status in 2020, Jinja has in recent years faced congestion from unregulated street trade, contributing to traffic jams and blocked access roads, particularly around Jinja Central Market. Daily Monitor
A section of traders and residents has welcomed the directive, describing it as a timely intervention to restore order, fairness, and professionalism in the city’s commercial sector. Some business owners operating in formal premises say the move will promote healthy competition and attract investment.
The enforcement is being implemented across divisions, including Jinja Northern and Southern divisions, as well as along major highways and trading centres.
However, other residents have criticised the exercise, accusing city authorities of inadequate sensitisation and failure to provide clear relocation alternatives for affected traders.
Mr Badru Nabugo, LC I chairperson of Main Street West, said many traders were being evicted from spaces now classified as illegal or road reserves despite previously being allocated by authorities.
“We are not happy with the approach used to remove us without being told where to relocate our businesses. We also want development, but it should be implemented in a fair and organized manner,” he said.
He added that the evictions have left many youths and single mothers stranded, disrupting small businesses that support their livelihoods and contributing to rising insecurity in the area.
Mr Daniel Gabula Kyankone, Executive Director of the Busoga Business Community, also faulted the process, saying it failed to consider that many street vendors had been contributing revenue to the council.
Once regarded as one of Uganda’s best-planned towns before its elevation to city status in 2020, Jinja has in recent years faced congestion from unregulated street trade, contributing to traffic jams and blocked access roads, particularly around Jinja Central Market. Daily Monitor