A demolition exercise targeting illegal kiosks in Namutumba Town Council, Uganda, has triggered allegations of bribery and selective enforcement. Affected traders have accused local officials of sparing some structures while demolishing others, claiming that bribes were taken to protect certain businesses.
According to verified reports from Ugandan media, the Namutumba Town Clerk, Hajji Siraje Kamba, confirmed the operation aimed to clear road reserves and public spaces. He stated the demolitions targeted structures built without approved plans and those encroaching on public land. However, traders contested the exercise's fairness, alleging that officials provided advance notice to some, allowing them to relocate, while others were caught unaware.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between municipal authorities enforcing urban planning laws and small-scale traders operating in informal sectors. Local council officials have denied the bribery allegations, maintaining that the operation was conducted lawfully. The incident has prompted calls for greater transparency and consistent application of bylaws during such enforcement actions.
