KAMPALA - The Ugandan government has issued an immediate eviction order to traders in Kampala who have converted parking spaces and basements in their buildings into shops. The directive, announced on Tuesday, November 10, gives traders no grace period and warns of forceful eviction if they fail to comply.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, explained that the basements were originally designated for parking when the architectural plans for the buildings were approved. However, many traders have flouted these plans by turning the spaces into commercial shops.
"When approving architectural plans of these buildings, the basements were supposed to be parking, but people turned them into shops," Lumumba said. She emphasized that the government will not tolerate further defiance and that enforcement will begin immediately.
The minister's announcement has sent shockwaves through the trading community, with many traders expressing concern about the impact on their businesses. The affected arcades are primarily located in the central business district, where parking is already scarce.
City authorities have long struggled with congestion and illegal conversions of spaces. The government argues that the conversions exacerbate traffic congestion and compromise safety standards, as basements lack proper ventilation and emergency exits for commercial use.
Traders who have invested heavily in setting up shops in these basements now face an uncertain future. Some have called for a dialogue with the government to find a mutually beneficial solution, but the minister's tone suggests little room for negotiation.
The eviction order is part of a broader effort to restore order in Kampala's real estate and urban planning. The government has warned that similar crackdowns will be extended to other areas where zoning laws are violated.
As the deadline looms, traders are scrambling to relocate their goods and find alternative spaces. The Uganda Media Centre event was attended by various media houses, signaling the government's intention to publicize the directive widely.
This development raises questions about the enforcement of building regulations and the need for proper urban planning in Kampala. It remains to be seen how the eviction will be carried out and whether affected traders will receive any form of compensation or support.
For now, the message from the government is clear: vacate or be evicted. The coming days will reveal the extent of compliance and the potential for conflict between authorities and traders.
