The government has moved to ease tensions with Pentecostal church leaders over the enforcement of a nationwide trade order, following concerns about its impact on places of worship and inconsistencies in implementation.
The Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, on Wednesday convened a high-level consultative meeting with leaders of Born Again Pentecostal churches, led by Joseph Serwada, of Christian Life Church.
The dialogue aimed to address grievances stemming from the ongoing enforcement exercise in urban centres.
Introduced through a March circular, the trade order seeks to restore order in towns and cities by enforcing urban planning regulations, improving sanitation, and creating safer, more organized business environments.
Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya reported that the initiative has already produced tangible results.
He pointed to improved organization in urban areas, increased occupancy of gazetted markets in Mbale, Hoima, Nyendo and Kasese, as well as reduced congestion, smoother traffic flow, restored drainage systems, and better sanitation.
“We must protect the gains made so far,” Kumumanya emphasized.
Despite these reported successes, religious leaders raised concerns about the enforcement process, citing cases where churches were affected despite operating outside restricted zones such as road reserves and wetlands.
They also highlighted inconsistencies in enforcement and questioned the conduct of some field officers.
Magyezi acknowledged the concerns and assured stakeholders that corrective measures are being taken. He stressed that compliant places of worship should not face disruption.
“Places of worship operating within the law should not be adversely affected,” he said. “We are strengthening the communication and application of standard operating procedures to ensure enforcement is clear, consistent, and fair across all local governments.”
The meeting resolved to tighten enforcement guidelines, allow more time for consultations and public sensitization, and convene a follow-up engagement after wider stakeholder input.
The discussions were attended by several senior government officials, including Milly Babalanda, David Bahati, Hellen Asamo, and Peace Mutuzo.
