Traders across several town councils in Ntungamo District have expressed relief after government halted the demolition of temporary and unapproved structures, bringing a pause to an enforcement exercise that had already caused extensive damage in some areas.
In Ntungamo Municipality and parts of the district, including Rubaare Town Council, enforcement teams had been clearing structures using tools such as pangas, hammers and axes.
The operation left behind widespread destruction, particularly affecting small-scale traders operating in makeshift premises.
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Other areas, including Rwamabondo and Rwashamaire, had already been marked for similar action, with several structures labelled with "X" in preparation for demolition.
In some cases, traders had begun dismantling their own businesses in anticipation of the exercise.
The suspension has now brought temporary relief to affected communities, many of whom were facing uncertainty over their livelihoods and future business operations.
Ntungamo District Chief Administrative Officer Fildeus Kizza said the district was acting under official directives and follows established administrative procedures in implementing enforcement decisions.
"We act on instructions from our mother ministries as issued from time to time. Once they say halt, we halt. Once they say go ahead, we go ahead. But this is in respect to enforcement," Kizza said.
He added that while the demolition exercise has been suspended, compliance with building approval procedures remains essential.
"Traditionally there have been processes and procedures. When you want to construct you ask for approval, you get a plan, they approve it and you construct. They are suspending massive demolition of illegal structures. They have suspended further actions. But what has already been done was done legally," he said.
The halt has provided traders with breathing space, although uncertainty remains over the future of enforcement actions and the status of structures already affected during the initial operation.
