By George Bukenya
Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena slam government on the ongoing property demolitions in different parts of the country, accusing authorities of enforcing regulations harshly and without adequate communication to affected citizens.
While addressing reporters at his party headquarters in Kampala, Akena said he encountered security personnel escorting heavy machinery demolishing structures along roadsides, an event that delayed his arrival and raised concerns about how evictions are being handled.
“On my way to the city center from Najeera I encountered a wheel loader escorted by military and police destroying people’s properties,” Akena revealed, wondering whether clear notices or deadlines had been issued to those affected.
The Lira City East Legislator acknowledged that some developments may be in the wrong places but asked the enforcers of trade order to act in a human and orderly manner. According to him, many of those targeted are ordinary Ugandans whose livelihoods depend on small roadside businesses.
“ Government lacks the proper direction for its citizen, how dare it just begins doing what they call the right thing in the wrong time and place and yet they say they are enforcing trade order in Kampala and other areas,’’ he said.
Akena warned that abrupt demolitions risk worsening economic hardship and escalating insecurity, while noting that many families rely on such businesses to derive their livelihood for instance paying school fees and servicing micro loans.
He added,’ Many of these people are already struggling with meeting the basic necessities in life, destroying their properties without proper engagement and planning for then, indicates lack of concern“
The UPC leader urged government to carry out better planning aspects, communication, and consultation before carrying out enforcement exercises asking the concerned authorities to adopt methods that balance order with social protection.
He also renewed calls for reforms to address high lending rates, arguing that the cost of credit remains a major burden on Ugandans trying to sustain small enterprises.
Akena also criticized what he described as lack of broader governance and economic challenges, including rising cost of living and limited support for citizens something that have made the majority of citizens to remain in viscous circle of poverty
He said political leaders ought to prioritize the welfare of ordinary Ugandans rather than policies that undermine better livelihoods such as the regressive tax system.
The UPC boss also said that NRM leaders doesn’t have the will to fight corruption because the vice emanates from their party citing out the UGX 100M that president Museveni awarded to the members of Parliament who attended the recently concluded Kyankwanzi retreat.
“As Politicians we are mandated to agitate for the people of Uganda. If they are not benefiting, then who are we working for?” he wondered.
.He urged leaders to promote transparency, fairness, accountability and inclusive decision-making, warning that failure to do so risks deepening public frustration.