Kampala, Uganda: Government has engaged leaders of Pentecostal churches in a high-level dialogue to address concerns arising from the ongoing enforcement of the trade order in urban centres.
The meeting, convened by Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi on Wednesday, brought together senior government officials and the Joint Leadership of Born Again Pentecostal Churches led by Joseph Serwada.
Magyezi said the trade order, introduced through a March circular, is intended to restore order in urban areas by enforcing planning regulations, improving sanitation, and creating safer and more organised business environments.
Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya noted that the exercise has already yielded visible results in several towns.
“These include improved organisation in urban centres, increased occupancy of gazetted markets in towns such as Mbale, Hoima, Nyendo, and Kasese, as well as decongested roads, improved traffic flow, restored drainage systems, and enhanced sanitation,” Kumumanya said. “We must protect the gains made so far,” he added.
However, Pentecostal leaders expressed concern over how the enforcement is being implemented, particularly its impact on places of worship.
They cited cases where churches were affected despite operating outside restricted zones such as road reserves and wetlands, as well as inconsistencies in enforcement and conduct of some field officers.
Government acknowledged the concerns and pledged to review the implementation process.
“Places of worship that are operating within the law should not be adversely affected,” Magyezi said. “We are strengthening the communication of standard operating procedures to ensure enforcement is clear, consistent, and fair across all local governments.”
The meeting agreed on several key actions, including strengthening enforcement guidelines, allowing additional time for consultations and public sensitization, and convening a follow-up dialogue after broader stakeholder engagement.
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