By Ivan Mugisha
Born-again pastors in Ibanda District have raised concerns over the sudden enforcement of the new Trade Order, saying the implementation has left many churches unprepared and could disrupt their operations.
The government recently began enforcing a stricter trade order aimed at removing street vendors, hawkers, illegal kiosks, and other unauthorized structures from streets, pavements, verandas, and road reserves. Some temporary worship structures used by Born-Again churches have also been affected by the operation.
Speaking to Crooze FM on Friday, Bishop Joseph Birungi, the team leader of pastors and head of Ebenezer Worship Center Ministries in Ibanda Municipality, said many church leaders were not adequately informed about how the enforcement would be carried out.
He added that the process has placed pressure on pastors who were not given sufficient time to adjust.
Birungi appealed to government to extend the implementation period from six months to at least two years to allow churches and other affected groups enough time to comply.
