The Cabinet has approved the resumption of trade order enforcement across the country following a temporary suspension to allow stakeholder consultations.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, the Minister for Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, said the decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting held at State House in Entebbe on Monday.
“Cabinet agreed and resolved that the implementation of the trade order should continue as earlier planned,” Magyezi said.
The enforcement had been paused after concerns were raised by Pentecostal and born-again churches, as well as traders’ associations, who petitioned the government for more time and engagement.
Magyezi noted that despite these concerns, Cabinet resolved that the enforcement should proceed, alongside intensified public awareness efforts.
“We shall step up community sensitization to ensure everyone is informed and on board. We appeal to local authorities to improve communication,” he said.
He added that a task force within the ministry will work closely with stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of the directive.
According to the minister, the enforcement will focus on relocating traders operating in undesignated areas such as streets, walkways, verandas, backstreets, and corridors to formally gazetted trading spaces.
Local government officials have also been instructed to ensure compliance with public health standards, including prohibiting the sale and preparation of food in unhygienic environments such as on sewer lines.
