Under the program, municipal crews demolished illegal structures and relocated containers and kiosks that were obstructing roads, pedestrian walkways and designated public spaces. The operation is part of a broader effort to tidy up trading areas and improve access and safety for residents and visitors.
Kairi Zedekia Kambasu, deputy town clerk of Kasese municipality said all the concerned parties have been alerted about this activity. He further urged traders and property owners to comply with the directive or else the long arm of the law will catch them.
He however appreciated traders at Mbarara Road, Mawa Market and some parts of Nyamwamba division who complied and started demolishing their structures voluntarily without municipal’s enforcement.
Mayor Chance Kahindo appealed for calm and cooperation, saying the initiative is not a matter of politics but of implementing government policy for the betterment of this town.
He also warned that structures erected without proper permits or that block access to essential services will be targeted especially those that are built in road reserves.
Even though this program is ongoing, various traders haven’t been left the same. They registered many losses which they said they could take long time to recover from them.
They accuse the municipal authorities for not giving them enough time to prepare for relocation and besides that they haven’t been shown where they are going to re-establish their businesses.
Municipal authorities insist that continued community cooperation will be critical to the success of the program and to ensuring public safety and an orderly trading environment in Kasese.
Story by Maate Isahaq
