The Government has directed all vendors operating on walkways, roads, medians and other ungazetted areas within Kampala to vacate the affected spaces by midnight on 20 February. Authorities have warned that traders who fail to comply will have their goods impounded and may face prosecution.
The directive follows the expiry of a 14-day ultimatum previously issued by the Minister for Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda. The notice formed part of a broader strategy aimed at restoring order and streamlining commercial activity within the capital.
Addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre, the Minister of State for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hon. Kabuye Kyofatogabye, confirmed that the Government had officially commenced a policy-driven operation to restore trade order in Kampala. He explained that the initiative seeks to enhance public safety, improve hygiene standards and preserve the dignity of the city, while at the same time safeguarding the livelihoods of traders.
Hon. Kyofatogabye commended residents, business owners and vendors for their patience and cooperation throughout the sensitisation period. He emphasised that the objective of the exercise is not to exclude people from economic activity, but rather to organise and formalise trade in a structured and sustainable manner. “Our intention is not to remove people from the economy, but to organise the economy,” he stated.
According to the Minister, KCCA conducted extensive sensitisation campaigns ahead of the enforcement phase. These efforts included consultations with vendors and the identification of alternative trading spaces to accommodate those operating in unauthorised areas. At least 2,520 stalls have been identified within KCCA-managed markets. In addition, 69 privately owned markets within Kampala have been engaged to absorb displaced traders.
Beyond the city centre, further arrangements have been made within the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area to ease the transition. Authorities have established 1,980 additional workspaces in neighbouring municipalities. Vendors have also been encouraged to explore digital platforms as an alternative means of conducting business, reflecting a growing shift towards online trading opportunities.
Street vendors were directly engaged during the sensitisation exercise and provided with contact details of private market operators to facilitate relocation. Traders already operating within established markets were similarly consulted and encouraged to cooperate with incoming vendors in order to ensure a smooth integration process. KCCA has mapped and verified all available spaces to ensure accurate allocation and to prevent congestion within designated markets.
Enforcement of the directive commenced at midnight, led by KCCA enforcement officers in full uniform, with support from the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). Authorities have reiterated that the operation will be conducted in accordance with the law and with due regard for the rights and welfare of affected individuals.
The initiative also extends to restoring order within the city’s transport sector. KCCA has begun gazetting formal boda boda stages across all city divisions. Of the 929 stages required, 166 have already been approved, with the process ongoing. Taxi operators have been instructed to operate strictly within designated loading and parking areas, including Old Taxi Park, New Taxi Park, Usafi Park, Namayiba Bus Terminal and Kisenyi Bus Terminal. Illegal roadside stages have been banned, and vehicles found operating outside authorised areas will be impounded.
Hon. Kyofatogabye underscored that the operation is people-centred and aimed at protecting both livelihoods and critical urban infrastructure, such as roads, drainage systems, walkways and green spaces. He concluded by urging the public to continue cooperating with the authorities and to engage in constructive dialogue where necessary.
“Kampala belongs to all of us,” he said. “By protecting its order, we secure its future.”