Jinja – The Jinja City Authorities are set to conduct an operation to remove businesses and developments encroaching on designated service lanes in Jinja Southern Division, home to the city center and a hub for busy commercial activities.
The operation aims to enhance public safety, ensure accessibility for utility providers and emergency services, and promote organized urban growth.
This proactive measure follows recent fire incidents that highlighted the dangers of blocked emergency access routes. In the past few days, massive fires have impacted timber workshops, with the most recent blaze destroying a warehouse along Eng. Zikusooka Road.
By clearing these service lanes, the city seeks to provide unobstructed access to properties for emergency responders, utility providers, and residents.
“We are committed to creating a safer and more organized city for our residents and businesses,” said Southern Division Town Clerk, Nathan Kitakule, in a letter dated February 25, 2025.
He emphasized, “By enforcing these regulations, we can prevent potential disasters and ensure that our emergency services can respond quickly and effectively.”
The directive aligns with Jinja City’s efforts to implement the Model City Physical Development Plan (2023-2033), which aims to promote sustainable urban growth.
Mr. Kitakule referenced Section 33(1) of the Physical Planning Act, 2010, which states: “A person shall not carry out a development within a planning area without obtaining development permission from a physical planning committee.”
Additionally, Section 33(3) of the same Act declares that “Any dealings in connection with any development in respect of which an offense is committed under this section shall be null and void, and that development shall be discontinued.”
City officials are urging affected developers and vendors to comply voluntarily within a fortnight to avoid forced evictions and potential property loss. The directive also addresses the issue of blocked alleys, where developers have constructed buildings and gates obstructing emergency access.
This is not the first time Jinja City authorities have tackled encroachment on service lanes. In May 2024, Jinja City Clerk Edward Lwanga ordered the removal of kiosks installed in alleys, citing fire safety and hygiene concerns.
Some locals, known as “City Borns” in Busoga’s capital, had illegally converted alleys into business centers. Notably, the sanitary lane between Clive Road West and Nizam Road West had been overtaken by kiosks adorned with yellow posters of President Museveni.
The move sparked mixed reactions among city residents and stakeholders, with many questioning who authorized the illegal structures. Allegations surfaced that some local councillors at City Hall and the Southern Division had facilitated kiosk construction for personal gain. However, Uganda’s National Planning Authority (NPA) Chief, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, intervened, issuing standing orders that led to the demolition of the kiosks and a halt to the unlawful practice.
