Uganda Begins Enforcement of Street Vendor Evictions from Central Business District

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) will today begin enforcing the eviction of street vendors from Kampala’s Central Business District (CBD). The directive, which takes effect at 8 p.m., marks the end of a two-week ultimatum issued on 5 February.

According to Hon. Kyofatogabye Kabuye, State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, vendors were required to vacate the streets and remove all items facilitating their trade before the deadline.

“Starting today at 8 p.m., vendors should have left Kampala’s streets and removed all items facilitating their activities,” the minister said.

He warned warning that by midnight, those found trading illegally would be arrested and their merchandise impounded.

The minister added that taxi operators picking up passengers along roads and motorcycle riders operating without designated stages are also expected to comply with the directive.

Law enforcement officers, supported by the police and the army, are expected to begin joint operations to remove any remaining vendors from roadsides, walkways and taxi parks.

Despite public concerns over previous directives that were not fully implemented, KCCA spokesperson Daniel Nuwabine said the eviction would be enforced. Speaking on local radio, Nuwabine maintained that this time the directive would be implemented effectively.

An assessment by our correspondent in Kampala found that although many streets were largely empty, several traders continued operating under umbrellas in the rain this morning, saying they have no other source of income.

Among those affected are Nyawinyo Monicah, a mother of five, and Taka Jennifer, a mother of seven, who have spent the past 15 years selling maize and mangoes on Kampala’s streets. The two women, who operate near the offices of the Daily Monitor, said they are deeply concerned about how they will pay their children’s school fees following the directive ordering all street vendors to relocate to designated markets.

The renewed enforcement drive signals a firmer stance by KCCA after years of grappling with street vending, as the authority seeks to decongest Kampala, restore order and streamline trade within the capital.