Kampala Market Traders Back KCCA Ultimatum, Urge Street Vendors to Relocate

Traders operating in gazetted city markets in Kampala have rallied behind a Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) ultimatum giving street vendors two weeks to vacate roads, pavements and other illegal trading spaces. They have called on their colleagues to relocate to structured market stalls that the city has already invested in but which remain underutilised.

The enforcement, scheduled for Thursday, will be jointly carried out by police and the army to remove any remaining vendors from roadsides, walkways and taxi parks. Vendors found operating illegally risk having their merchandise impounded and being prosecuted.

KCCA on 5 February issued a two-week ultimatum requiring street traders to voluntarily vacate illegal trading spaces before 18 February or face forceful eviction. The directive follows a similar attempt in October 2025 and forms part of what authorities describe as a new trade order aimed at decongesting the Central Business District.

Vendors at several markets re-emphasised the importance of the directive, urging traders to take up available spaces at the facilities. “We want more traders to come and join us,” said Nalwanga Lwanga at Busega Market.

Sekiranda Kizito, also at Busega Market, thanked President Yoweri Museveni for supporting the construction of modern markets and invited street traders to occupy vacant spaces so that business can flourish in a more orderly environment. At Usafi Market, Kalema James echoed the call, saying the markets were built for traders and there is no justification for operating by the roadside when proper facilities are available.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Kampala, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, has announced the return of Sunday markets to provide temporary legal trading opportunities for vendors affected by the enforcement.

Across parts of the city centre, vendors have been operating on pedestrian walkways, traffic islands and road reserves, displaying fresh produce, clothes and household goods. City officials argue that the practice causes severe congestion, forces pedestrians onto busy roads, blocks storefront access for licensed traders, disrupts drainage systems and contributes to flooding and hygiene concerns.