KCCA LAUNCHES TWO-WEEK SENSITIZATION EXERCISE, REINSTATES SUNDAY MARKETS

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has launched a two-week sensitization exercise aimed at restoring orderly, safe and dignified trade in the city, with a focus on the Central Business District.

The exercise was announced Thursday during a media briefing at the Media Centre by the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, who also confirmed the return of Sunday markets to provide temporary trading opportunities for vendors not immediately accommodated in gazetted markets.

“Our priority is to guide traders into safer, cleaner and better organized spaces that support sustainable business,” Kabanda said. “This sensitization period allows for dialogue, voluntary compliance and practical solutions such as Sunday markets, as we work together to build a more orderly and inclusive Kampala.”

The sensitization exercise will run for two weeks starting Feb. 5, 2026. During this period, KCCA officials, working with stakeholder leaders, will engage traders and transport operators to encourage voluntary relocation and compliance with the law.

Authorities said enforcement will only begin after the sensitization period and will be conducted in a lawful, humane and coordinated manner, with the support of security agencies.

KCCA said trading remains a key source of livelihood for many city residents but emphasized that, as Uganda’s capital, Kampala must remain clean, accessible and well organized for traders, customers, pedestrians and motorists.

Trade order is a core mandate of KCCA under the Kampala Capital City Act of 2010, supported by the Trade Licensing Act and the Local Governments (Kampala City Council) Maintenance of Law and Order Ordinance of 2006. City byelaws also require street traders to operate only with permits and within approved trading areas.

Following recent national elections and the Christmas festive season, KCCA has observed a rise in commercial activity in unauthorized locations, including streets, road reserves and pedestrian walkways. Officials say the situation has contributed to congestion, sanitation challenges, blocked walkways, traffic disruption and increased public safety risks.

In response, KCCA convened a coordination meeting involving government officials, security agencies, trader representatives, taxi leadership and boda boda operators. The meeting agreed on the need for collective action to restore order in the CBD and for all operators to work from designated spaces.

“This exercise is about engagement, not punishment,” said KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi. “We are giving traders time to understand the guidelines, identify available trading spaces and relocate voluntarily so the city can function safely and efficiently for everyone.”

Kigenyi said free trading spaces are available in gazetted public markets across the city, including Usafi, Busega and Wandegeya markets.

The authority is also expanding market infrastructure, with Kamwokya, Ggaba and Usafi markets earmarked for construction, while Kintitale Market is expected to be completed soon.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer