Pentecostal leaders consult gov't on trade order enforcement

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Government officials and leaders of Born Again Pentecostal churches have held a consultative meeting to address concerns surrounding the implementation of the trade order in urban centres.

The meeting, convened by Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi and attended by the joint leadership of Pentecostal churches led by Pastor Joseph Serwada, focused on ensuring that enforcement of the directive remains fair, consistent, and sensitive to places of worship.

During the meeting held on Wednesday at the Ministry of Local Government offices at Workers House in Kampala, Magyezi said the trade order, introduced through a March circular, is intended to restore order in towns and cities.

He explained that the exercise seeks to enforce urban planning regulations, improve sanitation, and create a safer and more organised business environment.

Local Government Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya, who issued the circular, said the implementation has already yielded visible improvements in several urban centres.

He pointed to increased use of gazetted markets in towns such as Mbale, Hoima, Nyendo, and Kasese, alongside reduced congestion on roads, smoother traffic flow, restored drainage systems, and cleaner surroundings.

“We must protect the gains made so far,” Kumumanya said, stressing the need to sustain progress achieved under the exercise.

However, Pentecostal leaders raised concerns about how the directive is being enforced, particularly its impact on places of worship. They cited cases where some churches were affected despite operating outside restricted areas such as road reserves and wetlands. Concerns were raised over what they described as inconsistent enforcement and the conduct of some field officers.

In response, government officials acknowledged the issues and pledged to investigate them.

Magyezi said measures are being taken to strengthen coordination and communication of standard operating procedures to guide enforcement across all local governments.

“Places of worship that are operating within the law should not be adversely affected,” he said. “We are improving communication of guidelines to ensure implementation is clear, consistent, and free from confusion.”

The meeting agreed on a set of follow-up actions, including refining enforcement guidelines, allowing more time for consultations and public sensitisation, and holding another dialogue after wider engagement with stakeholders.

The discussions brought together several senior government officials, including Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda, State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry) David Bahati, State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development (PWDs) Hellen Asamo, and State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Culture) Peace Mutuzo.