The Ministry of Works and Transport, supported by the Uganda Police Force and the military, has carried out an operation to evict car dealers and roadside businesses operating within the Jinja Road reserve in Kyambogo, Banda and Nakawa.
The enforcement exercise began in the Shumuk area of Nakawa, where excavators, backed by armed security personnel, moved in to demolish structures built along the road reserve.
As the operation extended to the Kyambogo car bond area, some traders resisted eviction, arguing that they had not been given sufficient time to relocate despite prior notices.
Dealers attempted to block towing trucks and excavators from accessing the area, prompting a confrontation in which police intervened. Several people were dispersed, while others were arrested during the standoff.
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Some operators accused certain vehicle yard owners of colluding with government officials to push out smaller traders in order to retain larger operating spaces.
Following the resistance, security forces intensified the operation, removing all vehicles parked within the road reserve and leaving several traders stranded.
"We would never wish what has happened to us on anyone else. We have been left helpless with nowhere to work, yet this business is our only source of income," said Isaac Kaweesa, chairperson of the Kyambogo car bond operators.
He appealed to government to provide an alternative site for affected traders to continue their businesses.
"We pay taxes to the government and we are not criminals. Government should help us find another place where we can operate from," he said.
Nearby in Banda, residents and small business operators rushed to remove their property as demolitions continued, fearing further destruction.
Nordeen Kitenda, a carpenter in Banda, said the notice given to vacate the area was too short to allow proper relocation.
"The seven days we were given were too few for us to prepare and find alternative workplaces," he said.
According to Allan Ssempeebwa, Deputy Spokesperson at the Ministry of Works and Transport, the operation targets all illegal structures on road reserves.
He said authorities had repeatedly warned occupants to vacate but many had failed to comply.
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"We have repeatedly warned these people to leave the road reserves, but many ignored the directives. We did not want to use force, but they left us with no option," Ssempeebwa said.
He added that road reserves must remain clear to ensure safety, reduce congestion and allow future infrastructure development.
"People who construct and operate businesses in road reserves disrupt traffic flow. Roads should remain free from obstruction," he said.
Ssempeebwa also noted that State Minister for Works and Transport Musa Ecweru had earlier issued directives ordering occupants to vacate the affected areas.
