Ugandan Authorities Reinforce Sunday Market Operations on Designated Streets

Ugandan authorities have approved the continuation of Sunday market operations to provide a legal, temporary space for street vendors to trade, following an earlier eviction directive requiring them to relocate to designated market stalls.

Kampala’s Central Business District (CBD) was largely cleared of street vendors on Friday as the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) began enforcing its directive, marking the end of a two-week ultimatum issued on February 5. The directive took effect at 8 p.m. on February 19, 2026.

The enforcement, however, allows for temporary Sunday market sales,  an organized arrangement under which vendors are permitted to sell goods on designated streets or public spaces.

In an interview with local media, Kampala Central Division Mayor Salim Uhuru said, “Sunday markets within the CBD will, for now, remain operational along gazetted streets designated as non-motorised routes.”

Following the directive, our correspondent observed trading activity continuing in some approved areas, while business was noticeably subdued elsewhere. Police vehicles patrolled the city centre, though the atmosphere remained calm.

A spot check across Kampala on Friday and Saturday found many streets largely empty, not only in the city centre but also in parts of the Makindye and Rubaga divisions.

KCCA spokesperson Daniel Nuwabine, speaking on local radio earlier this week, said the enforcement drive would be fully implemented despite public scepticism stemming from previous attempts that were not sustained. 

The current operation follows a similar eviction exercise in October 2025 and forms part of what authorities describe as a broader trade reorganisation plan aimed at decongesting the CBD.