Uganda’s Masaka city authorities have closed more than 100 shops and containers amid ongoing trade order enforcement operations, APA can report on Tuesday.
The city enforcement team, working with the police, targeted illegal structures, particularly in Nyendo suburb and the central business area. An illegal taxi park along the Masaka-Kampala road was also closed on Monday.
Several affected traders were still negotiating for more time to vacate the city.
Prosper Tagobya, deputy town clerk for Nyendo division, said most traders operating in illegal structures had complied with the trade order guidelines.
“The errant traders have eased our enforcement exercise, the majority of the traders have complied, especially in Nyendo,” he said.
He added that food vendors and hawkers had been evicted from the city centre and relocated to main markets in Nyendo and the central division. He also said that illegally constructed buildings would be demolished.
City town clerk Daniel Christopher Kaweesi warned traders against falling victim to individuals extorting money under the guise of enforcing trade order regulations.
“We shall not compromise with anyone; the trade order enforcement will be implemented after the one-week ultimatum we set. We shall arrest those who resist,” he said.
Kaweesi advised traders with genuine concerns to seek an audience with the Masaka town clerk’s office and other relevant city authorities.
MG/as/APA