Jinja city authorities direct removal of businesses from reserves
The directive issued in a letter dated February 25, 2025, signed by city council clerk Nathan Kitakule requires the removal of businesses and developments encroaching on designated service lanes in the city.
Jinja city authorities have directed the immediate removal of business entities and developments along service lanes (road and street reserves). (File photo)
By Doreen Musingo
Journalists @New Vision
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Jinja city authorities have directed the immediate removal of business entities and developments along service lanes (road and street reserves).
The directive issued in a letter dated February 25, 2025, signed by city council clerk Nathan Kitakule requires the removal of businesses and developments encroaching on designated service lanes in the city.
According to Kitakule, all the affected individuals and businesses owners have been given a 14-day ultimatum to vacate or face legal action including demolition.
"Failure to do so will result in the demolition by enforcement coupled with court action," he writes.
He explains that the directive follows a series of recent fire incidents on Spire Road and Obote Way, which have severely damaged properties and highlighted the dangers posed by blocking emergency access routes.
Police and fire trucks have struggled to respond to emergencies in most areas, making enforcement critical for public safety.
He explained that the service lanes are supposed to be used by service providers, emergency services like ambulances, Police and firefighters.
In his letter, he also highlighted that the enforcement was based on the Physical Planning Act, 2010 where 80% of the city is already planned.
"The planning Act mandates official approval for all developments within a planning area. Section 33(3) of the Act declares that unauthorised developments are null and void and must be discontinued," he said
He added that the Building Control Regulations of 2020, require compliance with approved physical planning standards.
Since attaining city status on June 30, 2020, Jinja has been operating under the Model City Physical Development Plan (2023-2033) where authorities are only enforcing urban development regulations to promote organised growth and public safety.
City officials urge affected developers and vendors to comply to avoid forced evictions and potential property loss.
This directive also tackles the widespread issue of blocked alleys in Jinja City, where newly constructed developments are now obstructing emergency access and occupancy by vendors.