The planned demolition of kiosks at the taxi park in Jinja City has been temporarily halted following a court order amid a dispute between city authorities and kiosk operators.
The High Court in Jinja, through Deputy Registrar Robert Mukanza, issued a restraining order halting the demolition after more than 200 operators petitioned the court through their association, the Jinja Taxi Park Kiosk Owners and Operators Association (JIKOOPA).
The dispute stems from a directive by city authorities ordering kiosk operators to vacate what they termed as ungazetted areas. The notice, signed by Nathan Kitakule, required operators to leave by mid-March 2026 or face forceful eviction.
While many operators across the city complied, those within the taxi park challenged the decision, arguing that they have existing operational agreements with the city that include plans to redevelop the taxi park in line with the physical development plan.
Through their chairperson, Karim Mukama, the group said demolition would deprive them of their livelihoods and exclude them from participating in the city’s development. The court order will remain in force until March 2, 2026, pending the hearing of the main suit.
However, Rajab Kitto said the directive still applies to other kiosks outside the taxi park, and their demolition will proceed this week. He added that operators had been given two months to vacate, but some failed to comply. URN