Uganda trade crackdown hits churches, ministers step in

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A government campaign to restore order in Uganda’s urban centres has opened an unexpected front on churches.

On Wednesday, April 22, Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi met the Joint Leadership of Born Again Pentecostal Churches, led by Pastor Joseph Serwadda, after religious leaders raised concerns that the ongoing enforcement of a national trade order had swept up some places of worship along with roadside stalls, informal businesses and other structures targeted in the exercise.

The meeting, according to the Uganda Media Centre, reflected a growing tension familiar in many fast-expanding Ugandan towns: how to impose urban order without disrupting livelihoods, community life or institutions that residents rely on.

The trade order exercise began with a circular issued in March. Officials say it is intended to restore discipline in urban centres by enforcing planning regulations, improving sanitation and creating towns that are safer, cleaner and easier to navigate.

For many residents, the goals are easy to understand. Congested streets, blocked drainage channels, and disorderly trading spaces have long complicated daily life in municipalities across the country, especially during heavy rains or peak traffic hours. But enforcement campaigns in Uganda have often faced scrutiny when rules appear unevenly applied or when vulnerable groups bear the brunt.

Government officials used Wednesday’s meeting to argue that the operation is already producing visible results.

Ben Kumumanya, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, who issued the original circular, said towns such as Mbale, Hoima, Nyendo and Kasese had recorded increased occupancy of gazetted markets as traders moved into designated spaces. He also cited decongested roads, smoother traffic flow, restored drainage systems and cleaner urban environments.

“We must protect the gains made so far,” Kumumanya said.

Yet the church leaders said the picture on the ground is more complicated. They raised cases in which some churches were reportedly affected even though they were not operating in prohibited areas such as road reserves or wetlands. They also questioned inconsistencies in enforcement and complained about the conduct of some field officers carrying out the exercise.

Those concerns matter beyond the religious community itself. In many Ugandan towns, Pentecostal churches function not only as worship spaces but also as social anchors, offering counselling, youth engagement, charity support and a sense of belonging in rapidly changing neighbourhoods.

'Government has heard their cry'

“Places of worship that are operating within the law should not be adversely affected. We are strengthening the breakdown and communication of standard operating procedures to guide enforcement across all local governments, so that implementation is clear, consistent, and leaves no room for confusion,” Magyezi said.

The language was bureaucratic, but the political meaning was clear: Kampala wants to keep the clean-up campaign on track while avoiding a clash with influential faith leaders.

The meeting ended with an agreement on several steps. Officials pledged to strengthen enforcement guidelines, allow additional time for consultations and public sensitisation, and hold a follow-up dialogue after wider stakeholder engagement.

Several senior ministers attended, including Milly Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency; David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry); Hellen Asamo, Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (PWDs); and Peace Mutuzo, Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Culture).

For urban residents, the real test will come outside meeting rooms. If roads stay clear, markets thrive, and lawful institutions are protected, the campaign may gain public trust. If confusion persists, the debate over order and who pays for it is likely to intensify.