KCCA WARNS LEADERS MOBILIZING TRADERS BACK TO CITY STREETS

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has warned individuals, including aspiring local leaders, against encouraging traders to return to the streets as authorities intensify enforcement to restore order in the Ugandan capital.

The caution was issued during a sensitization meeting with traders along Kikuubo Lane in downtown Kampala, where Sheila Birungi, KCCA director for Gender, Production and Community Services, said the authority had received information that some individuals including those seeking LC1 leadership positions were mobilizing traders to defy the directive and resume street vending.

“This is a government directive to remove vendors from the streets and relocate them to gazetted markets and other lawful trading spaces,” Birungi said. “Anyone encouraging traders to return to the streets is misleading them.”

Birungi said street vending remains prohibited and warned that those who continue trading on the streets risk prosecution as KCCA steps up enforcement and engagement with traders.

KCCA officials toured Kikuubo Lane to remind traders about the directive and emphasize the need to maintain order and cleanliness in the busy commercial area.

“We must keep this lane clean. Waste must be managed properly so that the business environment remains safe and organized,” Birungi said. She added that the authority will continue engaging traders to ensure the transition from street vending to designated markets is smooth.

Meanwhile, Daniel NuweAbine, KCCA spokesperson, said restoring trade order on city streets is necessary to improve safety and ensure emergency access.

“We want order in the city. If a fire breaks out and emergency vehicles cannot access buildings because the streets are congested, that puts lives and property at risk,” NuweAbine said.

He added that the enforcement is part of a broader national directive being implemented in several urban centers, including Jinja and Mbarara, to remove vendors from streets and reorganize trade within designated markets and trading spaces.

KCCA said it will continue sensitizing traders and enforcing regulations to maintain order and ensure business is conducted in lawful trading areas across Kampala.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer