KCCA TO ENFORCE TRADE ORDER AS VENDORS ASKED TO VACATE ILLEGAL SPACES

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki on Friday announced that the city will begin enforcing government directives requiring street vendors to vacate illegal trading spaces starting Feb. 19, 2026, saying the move is necessary to restore order, protect public safety and support legitimate businesses.

The enforcement will come after the ongoing two-week sensitization campaign launched immediately after the directive was issued on Feb. 5. During that period, KCCA teams have been engaging traders across the city, informing them about the legal requirements for operating in Kampala and directing them to available market spaces.

Across parts of the central business district, vendors have been operating directly on pedestrian walkways, spreading merchandise on tarpaulins and sacks laid on the ground. Fresh produce, clothes and household goods are often displayed along road reserves, on traffic islands and near drainage channels.

The result, city officials say, is severe congestion. Pedestrians are forced onto busy roads as walkways narrow or disappear entirely. Goods block building entrances and storefronts, affecting licensed traders who pay rent, utilities and taxes but struggle to attract customers because access to their premises is obstructed.

In some areas, merchandise placed on drainage channels and road shoulders has disrupted maintenance work and contributed to flooding during heavy rains. Officials also cite hygiene concerns, particularly where food items are sold directly from the ground without proper sanitation facilities.

Flanked by her Deputy Benon Kigenyi, Buzeki said trade order enforcement is not intended to undermine livelihoods but to create a structured environment where businesses can thrive safely and legally.

“Businesses flourish in organized environments,” she said. “Order protects traders, consumers and the infrastructure we all depend on.”

Under the Kampala Capital City Act of 2010, the Trade Licensing Act and the Local Governments (Kampala City Council) Maintenance of Law and Order Ordinance of 2006, traders are required to operate within designated areas and hold valid licenses.

KCCA said it has identified 2,520 vacant spaces in its 17 public markets and at least 1,980 additional spaces in 69 private markets. The authority has also engaged neighboring municipalities to expand relocation options. The spaces will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The executive director said organized markets provide structured stalls, sanitation, storage and security, enabling traders to build sustainable businesses while ensuring consumers access goods in safe conditions.

Government investment in infrastructure has expanded formal trading spaces, and improved private commercial buildings are available for rent, Buzeki said. KCCA is also offering free training in online trade at its Employment Services Bureau to support vendors seeking alternative business channels.

Sensitization efforts remain ongoing ahead of the enforcement date. KCCA has urged vendors operating illegally to relocate voluntarily before Feb. 19, when the authority will begin working with sister security agencies to ensure compliance.

“Before enforcement begins, we expect traders to move to the designated spaces provided,” Buzeki said.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer