By Yusuf Obbo
Activists and lawyers have warned municipal councils against destroying people’s property while enforcing trade laws, emphasizing that such actions violate constitutional rights.
Speaking to the media in Iganga, human rights lawyer Steven Kalali said Ugandans have a right to own property, and any officer who intentionally destroys it is in violation of Article 26 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.
This follows Iganga Municipality’s announcement setting Monday, 30 March 2026, as the date for a fresh eviction of street vendors and kiosk operators from Iganga Bus Park and Taxi Park.
Last month, in February, Iganga municipal authorities began implementing an order to remove unlicensed roadside vendors and kiosk operators. The eviction exercise left many traders stranded without alternative places to work.
The following day, enforcement operations involved the use of bulldozers to remove kiosks. However, the exercise turned destructive, with several kiosks reportedly intentionally demolished by the enforcement team.
Residents have also raised concerns about what they describe as selective application of the law. They questioned the authorities for failing to clearly communicate which structures are permitted within the town, noting that some kiosks were left untouched during the operation.
“Why is the municipal council destroying people’s kiosks while others remain standing in town without any threat of eviction?” asked activist Ndizawa Grace.
Activists further accused the authorities of failing to adequately sensitize the informal sector on regulatory requirements.
The use of destruction instead of alternatives such as impounding or sealing properties has drawn criticism from various stakeholders, who are calling on authorities to apply reasonable force when enforcing the law.
Kalali warned municipal officials against repeating such actions, noting that the Constitution protects citizens’ right to property.
“The enforcement team should remember that the law applies to them individually. If they act outside it, they can be held accountable. Intentionally destroying property violates Article 26 of the Constitution, and affected individuals can seek legal redress,” he said.
He also noted that such operations must be backed by clear bylaws, which many municipal councils have yet to establish.
The activists’ response comes after a notice issued by Iganga Municipality Town Clerk, Edith Turyasasirwa, confirming plans to proceed with the eviction on 30 March 2026.
While activists have welcomed the ongoing nationwide efforts to organize urban centres, they have urged authorities to enforce the law within legal frameworks and provide alternatives for displaced vendors, noting that the informal sector contributes significantly to the country’s revenue.
