Government, Pentecostal Churches Hold Dialogue on Trade Order Implementation

Hon. Raphael Magyezi, Minister of Local Government, today Wednesday, April 22, 2026, convened a consultative meeting with the Joint Leadership of Born Again Pentecostal Churches, led by Pastor Joseph Serwada, to address concerns arising from the ongoing implementation of trade order in urban centres.

The Minister noted that the trade order exercise, which was initiated through a circular issued in March, is aimed at restoring order in urban centres by ensuring compliance with urban planning regulations, improving sanitation, and creating a more organized, safe and accessible business environment.

Highlighting progress made so far, the Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, who issued the circular, noted that the exercise has already registered significant gains. These include improved organization in urban centres, increased occupancy of gazetted markets in towns such as Mbale, Hoima, Nyendo, and Kasese, as well as decongested roads, improved traffic flow, restored drainage systems, and enhanced sanitation.

“We must protect the gains made so far,” the Permanent Secretary noted.

During the meeting, religious leaders raised concerns about the impact of enforcement on places of worship, including instances where some churches were affected despite not being located in restricted areas such as road reserves or wetlands, as well as concerns about inconsistent enforcement and the conduct of some field officers. Government acknowledged these concerns and committed to further investigation.

“Places of worship that are operating within the law should not be adversely affected. We are strengthening the breakdown and communication of standard operating procedures to guide enforcement across all local governments, so that implementation is clear, consistent, and leaves no room for confusion,” the Minister emphasized.

The meeting agreed on several key actions, including strengthening enforcement guidelines, allowing additional time for consultations and public sensitization, and convening a follow-up dialogue after broader stakeholder engagement.

It was attended by key government stakeholders, including Hon. Milly Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency; Hon. David Bahati, Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives (Industry); Hon. Hellen Asamo, Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (PWDs); and Hon. Peace Mutuzo, Minister of State for Gender, Labour and Social Development (Culture).

Reported by Issa Kigongo