By Kenneth Wamatoyi
JINJA CITY
Jinja City Council has issued a directive requiring the removal of businesses and developments encroaching on designated service lanes in Jinja Southern Division.
In a letter dated February 25, 2025, and stamped by Town Clerk Nathan Kitakule, affected individuals and businesses have been given 14 days to vacate or face legal action, including demolition.
The directive follows a series of recent fire incidents on Spire Road and Obote Way, which severely damaged properties and highlighted the dangers posed by blocked emergency access routes.
City officials stress that service lanes are crucial for Utility providers (such as water, electricity, and telecommunications companies), Emergency services (firefighters, ambulances, and police) and Accessibility to adjacent properties.
The enforcement is based on the Physical Planning Act, 2010, which mandates official approval for all developments within a planning area. Section 33(3) of the Act declares that unauthorized developments are null and void and must be discontinued.
Additionally, the Building Control Regulations, 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). With 80% of Jinja Southern Division already planned, authorities are now enforcing urban development regulations to promote organized growth and public safety.
The notice warns that failure to comply within 14 days will result in Demolition of unauthorized structures and legal penalties without further notice
City officials urge affected developers and vendors to comply voluntarily to avoid forced evictions and potential property loss.
This directive also tackles the widespread issue of blocked alleys in Jinja City, where some developers have constructed buildings or gates obstructing emergency access. Police and fire trucks have struggled to respond to emergencies in these areas, making enforcement critical for public safety.
