KAMPALA. In a strange turn of events Cabinet cleared the unpopular trade order enforcement operations which have already caused colossal losses to Ugandans ,to resume around the country.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Minister for Local Government, Raphael Magyezi said while these enforcement operations had been halted to allow for consultations, cabinet gave a green light for the resumption.
“Cabinet sitting yesterday(Monday) agreed and resolved that the implementation of the trade order should continue as earlier planned,” Magyezi said.
The minister said there was halting of the enforcement after Pentecostal and born-again churches as well traders’ associations petitioned government seeking for more time to prepare themselves.
Magyezi however noted that cabinet sitting on Monday agreed that the enforcement ought to continue to avoid negating the gains.
“Cabinet has decided that trade order enforcement continues.”
The minister however said they are to step up community sensitization to ensure everyone is on board
“People needed to be informed and we shall step it up. We appeal to local authorities to improve on communication. We shall step up task force in the ministry to work with representatives of all stakeholders to ensure proper implementation of trade order,” he said.
The Minister for Kampala, Hajjati Minsa Kabanda said this applies also applies to the country’s capital.
“Cabinet agreed that trade order is non-negotiable. Kampala is the face of the country and progress made cant be reversed otherwise, we will have lost the gains. Therefore, enforcement will continue without interruption,” she said.
Trade Order
According to the Minister for Local Government, the trade order enforcement will ensure relocation of traders to formal and designated trading spaces, especially those on streets, walkways, verandas, back streets and corridors.
He said local government administrative officers have been asked to ensure trade is only from gazetted areas, proper food handling by stopping sell and cooking of food and fruits on top of sewer lines and other unhygienic places.