A High Court order has temporarily blocked Jinja City Council from evicting vendors and kiosk operators, following a legal challenge that argued the move threatened livelihoods and lacked alternative arrangements.

A group of vendors and kiosk operators in Jinja City has successfully challenged a city council eviction notice, arguing that it was issued without providing alternative spaces for them to operate.

Through their lawyer, Sharif Ssemaganda, the traders told the court that the eviction directive jeopardized their primary source of income. Many rely entirely on their roadside kiosks and stalls for daily sustenance.

Responding to the application, Acting High Court Deputy Registrar Robert Mukanza issued a temporary restraining order preventing Jinja City Council from executing the planned evictions.

The order will remain in place until the matter is fully heard and determined.

City authorities have pledged to comply with the court's directive as the legal proceedings continue.

The dispute arises amid ongoing efforts by the city council to clear vendors and kiosk operators from several streets, as part of a campaign to improve urban planning, orderliness, and sanitation in Jinja City.