Uganda Demolishes ‘Unapproved Churches’ In Effort To Clean Up Cities
MUKONO, Uganda — After several places of worship were demolished, a public outcry forced Uganda to pause a project that aimed to clean up cities and enforce zoning regulations.
But now, government officials said, the project is back on — and more unsanctioned structures might be on the chopping block.
The operation, known as “New Trade Order” began in February, aiming to restore order in city centers, but the project was suspended following a public outcry led by Pentecostal church leaders after they petitioned the Ministry of Local Government.
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The operation targeted business structures built in road reserves, wetlands, drainage channels and those without approved physical plans. Its main goal is to create cleaner cities, reduce congestion, improve traffic flow and ensure compliance with urban regulations. As a result, several places of worship built in wetlands and road reserves were demolished.
Clergy from Pentecostal churches were especially vocal in the public’s response, denouncing the project as several of their churches were directly affected. In a petition dated April 14, the leadership of the Born-Again Pentecostal Churches in Uganda, led by Pastor Dr. Joseph Serwadda of Victory Christian Centre Church, condemned the central government for demolishing places of worship.
“It has come to our notice that the town and city clerks have demolished a good number of worship places,” the petition stated.
The clergy also stated in the petition that, in addition to churches and mosques already demolished, many others were scheduled for demolition.
“To us, the operation is contrary to the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, as amended, specifically the freedom to profess our religion, freedom of worship and non-discrimination,” they said.
Pastor Willy Tumwine of the Holy Spirit Fire Church in Mbarara City said that opponents of Pentecostal churches in Uganda might be exploiting the current situation to demolish places of worship, overlooking the fundamental right of every Ugandan to freedom of worship. He added that they would not remain silent in the face of what they viewed as ongoing persecution.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government Ben Kumumanya, who received the petition, emphasized that although houses of worship were not the primary target under the operation, any structures — including churches and mosques — built in wetlands or road reserves without approved physical plans would be subject to demolition.
Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi supported the government’s position, emphasizing that the operation would continue with plans to improve coordination and communication of standard operating procedures.
However, a national-level politician who oversees trade and industry, David Bahati, informed parliament that the government had decided to suspend the operation until July in response to public outcry, particularly regarding the demolition of places of worship.
Bahati said the suspension would allow further consultations between the central government and religious leaders before the operation resumes in July. He extended an apology to the clergy for the demolitions and resulting inconvenience. But in an about-face last week, Magyezi, told journalists that the cabinet had given them the green light to proceed with the operation and to ignore what Bahati said.
“[The] cabinet has decided that trade order enforcement continues,” he said, adding, “People needed to be informed, and we shall step it up. We appeal to local authorities to improve communication. We shall set up a task force in the ministry to work with representatives of all stakeholders to ensure proper implementation of the trade order.”
Hajjati Minsa Kabanda, who serves as Kampala’s minister, said the cabinet had allowed the operation to go on in the capital city.
“Kampala is the face of the country, and progress made can’t be reversed; otherwise, we will have lost the gains,” she added. “Therefore, enforcement will continue without interruption.”
John Semakula is an award-winning journalist and alumnus of the Poynter Institute based in Mukono, Uganda.