KCCA BEGINS ENFORCEMENT OF TRADE ORDER DIRECTIVE

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on Thursday began enforcing a government directive to restore trade order in the capital, clearing vendors from walkways, road reserves and other unauthorized public spaces after weeks of sensitization and preparation.

The operation, which took effect at 8 p.m., follows a Feb. 5 directive issued by the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda. The directive had given traders up to February 19.

During a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday, the State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Kabuye Kyofatogabye, said the enforcement is grounded in policy and extensive preparation.

“Our objective is not to remove people from the economy,” he said. “Our objective is to organize the economy, restore order and protect legitimate businesses.”

He added that public spaces must serve their intended purpose.

“Walkways are for pedestrians. Roads are for movement. Drainage channels are for water flow. When these spaces are occupied unlawfully, the entire city suffers,” Kyofatogabye said.

By midnight, enforcement teams in clearly marked blue uniforms, supported by security agencies, will begin clearing illegally occupied areas.

Vendors found trading on walkways, road islands, medians and other ungazetted spaces would face impoundment of goods and possible court action, authorities said.

KCCA officials said the exercise is designed to formalize, not eliminate livelihoods.

Ahead of enforcement, the authority mapped and verified available trading spaces in 17 KCCA-managed markets, identifying 2,520 stalls ready for allocation.

In addition, KCCA engaged 69 private markets within Kampala and others in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area to expand absorption capacity. A further 1,980 workspaces have been established in neighboring municipalities to accommodate traders willing to relocate.

Market vendors within established markets were consulted and encouraged to work with incoming traders. Officials said the allocation process will follow registration and verification procedures, with priority given to women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Security agencies warned that compliance would be enforced.

Uganda Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma urged traders to vacate voluntarily.

“Traders should move before being moved,” he said. “As a trader or Ugandan, do you feel proud of what is happening on our streets, the congestion and disorder? We shall be coming to remove those who may have refused to vacate peacefully.”

Authorities say restoring order will improve sanitation, consumer protection and movement within the city, while safeguarding critical infrastructure such as drainage systems, roads and pedestrian corridors.

Taxi operators have been directed to operate strictly from designated parks and terminals, with illegal roadside stages banned.

KCCA is also gazetting formal boda boda stages across the five city divisions. Out of 929 required stages, 166 have been approved so far.

Officials described the enforcement as firm but lawful and people-centered, marking one of the most comprehensive trade reorganization efforts in Kampala in recent years.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relation Officer