City Defends Trade Order Crackdown Amid Outcry from Women Traders

Women traders in Masaka City have protested the demolition of kiosks and containers during a trade order enforcement operation, saying it has destroyed their livelihoods and left them struggling with debts and family responsibilities.

Leaders in Masaka City have defended the ongoing enforcement of trade order regulations despite growing concerns from women traders whose businesses have been disrupted by the operation.

The enforcement exercise, currently targeting the Welcome area in Nyendo Division, is aimed at removing containers, kiosks, and other structures erected without approved physical development plans.

Accompanied by security personnel, city enforcement teams demolished several makeshift business structures, leaving many traders, particularly women, counting losses and uncertain about their future. The affected traders say the businesses were their primary source of income and supported their families through school fees, medical expenses, and daily household needs.

“This kiosk was my only source of income. The little profit I earned every day helped me feed my children and pay school fees. Now everything has been destroyed, and I do not know where to begin,” one trader lamented.

The women appealed to government authorities to reconsider the operation, arguing that many of them secured loans from Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to establish their businesses and now face mounting debts.

“We borrowed money from SACCOs to start these businesses,” another trader said. “The government should first provide alternative places for us to operate. We are now left with debts and no income.”

The traders also called on President Yoweri Museveni to intervene and review the implementation of policies affecting small-scale businesses across the country.

“We are not opposed to development or trade order,” said Florence Owamaria, a trader in Nyendo. “But the government should remember that many families depend on these small businesses for survival. We appeal to President Museveni to help us find a lasting solution.”

Some residents blamed Members of Parliament for passing laws that have led to the enforcement measures, while others criticized local political leaders for failing to represent the interests of ordinary citizens.

“Our leaders should have consulted the people before implementing these measures,” one resident said. “Those we elected have remained silent while traders continue to suffer.”

Other traders questioned why city authorities had been collecting rent and other fees from occupants of structures that are now being classified as illegal.

“For years, we have paid rent and other charges for these kiosks and business spaces. It is unfair for authorities to collect money from us and later declare the structures illegal,” the traders argued.

However, Masaka City Town Clerk Prosper Tagobya insisted that the operation will continue, emphasizing that all illegal structures must be removed in accordance with the law.

“The exercise is intended to restore physical planning standards and trade order within the city. Any structure erected without approval is illegal and must be removed regardless of ownership. We encourage all developers and traders to follow the established procedures,” Tagobya said.

He added that the enforcement campaign will be extended to all divisions of the city to ensure full compliance with physical planning regulations.