President Yoweri Museveni has defended the government’s enforcement of the Trade Order and environmental protection measures, urging political leaders to stop what he described as “cheap politics” that encourages disorder and environmental destruction.
Speaking during the presentation of the National budget in Kampala, Museveni argued that every public space has a designated purpose and should be used accordingly.
His swift decision to defend the enforcement comes months the Kampala Capital City Authority and National Environmental Management Authority enforcement.
The president further said that road and sidewalks should serve their intended functions just as organs in the human body have specific roles.
“A country is like a human body,” he said. “Every system has its function. The road is for vehicles and motorcycles, the sidewalks are for pedestrians, and markets are for selling goods. You cannot decide to sell on the roadside because that is not what it is meant for.”Museveni stated.
He however blasted politicians who oppose enforcement operations, accusing them of misleading the public for cheap political popularity.
“Don’t go on with the cheap politics of misleading our people.You can not say because you want to eat, you put food in your ear or your nose. Food belongs in the mouth. Likewise, roads are not markets.”he stressed.
He also clarified that wetlands and forests should remain protected rather than being converted for agriculture or settlement.
“The swamp is for water. It is not for cultivation or buildings. These wetlands and forests sustained our people for millions of years before modern development came. Destroying them is destroying our own survival,” he said.
Museveni singled out rice cultivation in wetlands, claiming that some foreign investors had encouraged Ugandans to misuse fragile ecosystems.
Museveni further condemned the destruction of Bugoma Forest, describing those involved as “criminals” and “enemies of Uganda” who are sacrificing the country’s natural resources for private interests.
His comments reinforce government’s recent campaign against wetland degradation, forest destruction and unregulated roadside trading, policies that have generated both praise and criticism due to their economic impact on vulnerable communities.
