In response, Minister Magyezi acknowledged the issues and signaled a shift toward a more consultative and measured approach.
The government has moved to ease tensions surrounding the ongoing enforcement of urban trade order regulations, following mounting concerns from religious leaders over its impact on places of worship.
During a high-level meeting convened by Raphael Magyezi, the Minister for Local Government, officials engaged the Joint Leadership of Born Again Pentecostal Churches led by Ap. Joseph Sserwada to address grievances linked to the exercise.
The trade order directive, issued in March by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government Ben Kumumanya, has been credited with restoring order in urban centres—decongesting streets, improving sanitation, and boosting occupancy in gazetted markets across towns like Mbale, Hoima, Nyendo, and Kasese.
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However, church leaders told the meeting that enforcement has, in some cases, affected legally established places of worship and exposed inconsistencies in how rules are applied on the ground. They also raised concerns about the conduct of some enforcement officers.
In response, Minister Magyezi acknowledged the issues and signaled a shift toward a more consultative and measured approach. He emphasized that compliant places of worship should not be disrupted and pledged clearer enforcement guidelines to eliminate confusion across local governments.
The meeting resolved to strengthen standard operating procedures, extend time for public sensitization, and conduct wider stakeholder consultations before intensifying enforcement.
Senior officials, including the Minister for Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda and State Minister David Bahati, attended the meeting, highlighting the political significance of the issue.
A follow-up dialogue is expected after broader consultations, signaling that while the trade order policy remains in force, its implementation may be recalibrated in response to public and religious concerns.