By Diana N. Kintu
The Kampala Capital City Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring order, improving infrastructure and strengthening urban management across the city.
According to a statement delivered by Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, the ongoing operations are guided by the Kampala Capital City Act, 2010, and form part of a broader vision to build a vibrant, attractive, liveable and sustainable city.
Since the government directive issued on February 5, 2026, and the commencement of enforcement on February 19, KCCA has reorganised trade, decongested major business areas and improved city functionality.
“Illegal obstructions have been removed, pedestrian walkways restored, access roads improved and public spaces enhanced,” the statement noted.
Key trading centres across all five divisions — Kawempe Division, Makindye Division, Lubaga Division, Nakawa Division and the Central Business District — have been cleared of illegal vending and unauthorised obstructions. Roads are being repainted, drainage systems repaired, manholes resealed, streetlights restored and green spaces rehabilitated.
Compliance with local revenue contributions has also improved significantly. Between February 19 and April 27, 2026, KCCA registered 22,909 new business licences worth UGX 5.07 billion, compared to 15,628 licences worth UGX 3.9 billion in December 2025. Officials said this represents a 146 per cent increase and reflects improved formalisation and revenue mobilisation.
Cabinet reaffirmed on April 27 that trade order is non-negotiable. Traders are required to operate strictly within gazetted markets, arcades and designated trading areas. KCCA has made thousands of spaces available, with 1,663 already occupied and 857 still vacant. Unutilised spaces, such as those in Busega Market, are being reallocated under the Markets Act 2023.
The authority also issued directives on improving urban frontages, requiring property owners and business operators to pave, paint, green and maintain their premises. Non-compliance will attract penalties under the Physical Planning (Amendment) Act, 2020, with enforcement set to begin on June 1, 2026.
Transport reforms are also underway, with boda boda operations being formalised and taxis directed to operate from gazetted parks. In addition, the government has permitted Kiira Motors Corporation to deploy eight electric buses along two circular routes by the end of May in a move aimed at reducing congestion and improving air quality.
KCCA is also strengthening enforcement of noise pollution standards in collaboration with National Environment Management Authority and has rescued 365 children from city streets over the past three months, placing them in accredited homes for care, counselling and reintegration.
Infrastructure development is also progressing, with the groundbreaking of a 9.1-kilometre road from Mpererwe through Kiteezi to Kiti. The project is funded by the African Development Bank and is expected to be completed within 18 months.
In conclusion, the statement emphasised that Kampala is undergoing deliberate transformation.
“Guided by law, driven by policy and centred on improving residents’ quality of life, these efforts are shaping a modern, clean and orderly city,” Buzeki said.