Kitgum Municipal Council to Demolish Unauthorized Containers in Central Business District

Kitgum Municipal Council has announced plans to demolish unauthorized containers and structures in a renewed effort to restore order within the Central Business District (CBD). 

The move follows the ongoing demolition of the Kitgum Bus Park, which is being redeveloped under the Uganda Cities and Municipalities Infrastructural Development (UCMID) program by the Ministry of Local Government.

According to Patrick Ocan Ocitti, the Deputy Town Clerk, the municipal council will target unauthorized containers that have sprung up in the CBD, particularly those disrupting the organization of the area and affecting operations around the Kitgum Main Market. 

The decision comes in response to persistent complaints from vendors operating inside the Main Market, who say the proliferation of external containers has diverted customers away from them, leading to significant financial losses.

“We are contemplating quitting the Main Market because there is no money inside. Buyers prefer purchasing goods from outside,” said Magrate Aciro, a market vendor. “Unless the Municipal Council intervenes, we may not be able to continue doing business in the Main Market.”

Michael Oloya, another vendor, shared similar frustrations. “Sometimes we go the entire day without earning anything. Yet, the Municipal Council continues to collect revenue from us. This is not fair,” he noted. Ocan clarified that some of the current container operators were previously relocated from the Kitgum Main Bus Park due to its redevelopment. 

These individuals were offered three options: to move to the defunct Kitgum Airfield in Pandwong Division, shift to the Main Market, or construct a temporary structure in an approved location. However, some opted to set up unauthorized structures within the CBD.

“Once the demolition of the bus park is complete, all unauthorized containers in the Central Business District will be removed,” Ocan stated. He emphasized that this enforcement action is intended to reaffirm the council’s commitment to upholding urban regulations and maintaining order and visual appeal in the municipality.

Meanwhile, Main Market vendors remain hopeful that the planned crackdown will rejuvenate business in the market by creating a more organized and competitive environment.