The government, through the Ministry of Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, has given street vendors 14 days to vacate the streets of Kampala or face forceful eviction.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, Minister for Kampala, Ms Minsa Kabanda, said the end of the political season marks a return to order and full enforcement of city laws.
“Government will no longer tolerate disorder, lawlessness and abuse of public space in the name of survival or politics. Kampala has now entered an immediate phase of strictness and effective enforcement of all city laws and ordinances,” Kabanda said.
She explained that enforcement had been moderated over the past months to allow peaceful political participation, but noted that the grace period has ended and the city must now function normally.
“Street vending and hawking on roads, walkways, drainage channels, junctions and road reserves is illegal and will not be tolerated. Illegal boda boda stages are also abolished with immediate effect,” she said.
Kabanda added that the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has already issued notices and is now giving a final warning to illegal operators.
“KCCA has in the past few days issued notifications and now we are issuing a final notice to illegal operators to vacate prohibited areas voluntarily within 14 days. Going forward, joint enforcement teams comprising KCCA, Police, and other sister security agencies will commence full clearance operations across the city. Enforcement will be automatic and zero tolerant with no engagement or negotiation with anyone.”
She warned that anyone who resumes illegal trading after eviction will face arrest and prosecution.
“Any goods found trading illegally will be confiscated as provided by law. Any enforcement officer found soliciting bribes or aiding illegality will face disciplinary action and prosecution,” Kabanda said.
The minister also cautioned political leaders against interfering with or sabotaging the enforcement operations.
Meanwhile, KCCA Deputy Executive Director, Mr Benon Moses Kigenyi, said the authority has identified alternative trading spaces within city markets.
He revealed that out of 15 KCCA-owned markets, nine markets with a total of 2,520 workspaces have been identified across all divisions in Kampala and can accommodate street vendors.
Kigenyi also announced that the popular Sunday Market will soon return, with Allen Road, Johnstone Street, and Wilson Road proposed as hosting areas.
“The market shall operate from 7:30am to 6pm to allow for evening cleaning and normalcy on the streets for Monday business,” Kigenyi said.
He added that vendors participating in the Sunday Market may be required to pay a modest fee to cater for services such as sanitation and cleaning of workspaces.
