By Yusuf Obbo
The Iganga Municipality Town Clerk, Majerani Luboyera, has led a team of municipal enforcement officers in demolishing structures allegedly blocking Munyegera Road in Northern Division, in an operation aimed at restoring public access.
The exercise, however, has sparked mixed reactions among residents, with some welcoming the move as a necessary step towards reopening the road, while others have resisted the demolition of their structures.
Luboyera said some of the affected residents had consented to the exercise before it commenced, adding that the municipality was committed to resolving the matter in the interest of the wider community.
“I want to appreciate all residents who consented to give us the go-ahead to reopen this road. I want to inform you that this is for your own benefit. As your Town Clerk, I will make sure things are put right. For those who have challenged the programme through court orders, we are going to look into their matters and come back with a final position,” Luboyera said.
Some residents accused wealthy individuals in the area of blocking the road, thereby denying neighbouring communities an alternative access route. They welcomed the municipality’s intervention, arguing that reopening Munyegera Road would improve accessibility and ease movement within the affected neighbourhoods.
Among those reportedly affected by the demolition is Hajji Hussein Abdullah, the LC1 Chairperson of Mutukula Zone, who said he and other residents had agreed to the exercise following several meetings.
“We sat in several meetings where we finalised discussions and consented to allow what is happening today. The affected people, including me as the chairman, agreed to this for the good of our area. We all need this road, and that is why we want the municipality to help us open it,” Hajji Hussein said.
However, disagreements emerged when the demolition exercise began, with some residents reportedly opposing the destruction of their structures despite claims that earlier agreements had been reached.
The disagreement has heightened tensions within the community, exposing the challenges local authorities face when enforcing regulations on public roads and access routes.
Luboyera said the municipality would examine cases involving residents who had challenged the exercise through court orders, although further details regarding the handling of the disputes were not immediately available.
The full extent of the demolition exercise and the number of structures affected had not been established by the time of publication.
The reopening of Munyegera Road is expected to improve access for residents in the surrounding neighbourhoods. However, the unfolding dispute highlights the need for local authorities to balance public infrastructure needs with the rights and concerns of affected property owners.
