Authorities in Kasese Municipality have announced a crackdown on illegal business structures, with enforcement operations set to begin on April 15, 2026.
The operation, conducted in collaboration with security agencies, targets traders who have erected containers and other makeshift structures in prohibited areas, including the Central Business District and road reserves.
Municipal leaders say the move is intended to restore order and enforce compliance with urban planning regulations.
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Town Clerk Geofrey Bamanyisa said traders had been issued prior notices and urged them to cooperate with enforcement teams.
"We issued notices to individuals who illegally erected containers and other structures in town. Enforcement operations will commence tomorrow, targeting all non-compliant structures," Bamanyisa said.
He encouraged traders to utilise available vacant shops instead of operating from containers, noting that many business premises across the municipality remain unoccupied.
"Containers should not be used for business premises when there are vacant shops available. I have observed many shops across town that remain unoccupied. Traders should rent these shops instead of operating from containers," he added.
Bamanyisa warned that authorities will take firm action against defaulters, including impounding illegal structures and arresting offenders.
"All remaining containers will be impounded and taken to the municipal yard. Persons found operating businesses in these illegally installed structures will also face arrest," he said.
Police in the Rwenzori East region have pledged support for the operation. Public Relations Officer Nelson Tumushime confirmed that officers will be deployed to reinforce the municipal enforcement team.
"The police will reinforce the Municipal Council technical team as they implement the trade order in Kasese Municipality, similar to other urban authorities," Tumushime said.
Mayor Chance Kahindo urged residents to separate politics from service delivery, emphasising that the directive is about governance rather than political interests.
"Politics ends with the election. I stop being a politician and become a leader for all--not a political party leader, but a government leader. This is a government directive, and it is my duty as a government leader to enforce it," Kahindo said.
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Authorities say the enforcement exercise will proceed without exception, warning that illegal structures will not be tolerated once operations commence.
