KCCA CONDEMNS ATTEMPTS TO DISRUPT MARKET ORDER IN KAMPALA

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Frank Rusa, has strongly condemned any efforts to disorganize markets in Kampala, emphasizing the Authority’s commitment to maintaining trade order and ensuring that public markets serve their intended purpose of supporting low-income earners.

Speaking at a press conference on December 18, Rusa reassured the public that KCCA is enforcing the Markets Act, 2023 and the Presidential Directives of November 17, 2022 among others, which grants the Authority full responsibility over the management of all public markets in the city.

He warned against illegal activities, including unauthorized allocation of market stalls, illegal money collection, and impersonation of market officials, particularly following incidents at the newly reopened Busega Market.

Busega Market, recently reopened after significant government investment to improve vendor-working conditions, has already faced challenges. According to Rusa, some individuals are creating commotion and engaging in illegal allocation of stalls.

 “We understand the eagerness of our vendors to start operations, but procedures must be followed to ensure fairness,” Rusa stated.

KCCA has since noted several irregularities, including individuals occupying multiple stalls, illegal allocation of spaces, and the unlawful collection of money from vendors.

“These activities are against the Markets Act, 2023, and will not be tolerated,” he added

Under the Section 21 of the Markets Act, 2023 it is KCCA through the Allocation Committees, which are responsible for organizing, designating, and assigning workspaces, shops, pitches, and stalls to ensure equity and transparency.

“Procedures must be followed to ensure an organized and equitable allocation of spaces,” Rusa stated, adding that KCCA will use all available enforcement mechanisms, including police, to restore order.

Under the Markets Act, 2023, KCCA oversees market management through Market Administrators who are tasked with day-to-day management, ensuring compliance with hygiene standards and other regulations.

Rusa highlighted KCCA’s commitment to addressing ongoing issues in other markets, including Lufula and Kisekka, and reaffirmed that any individual acting outside the law will face arrest and prosecution.

“This country operates under the rule of law. We will not tolerate illegalities that affect the livelihoods of poor people striving to improve their capacity,” he stressed.

KCCA plans to register all vendors operating in Busega Market to ensure order and no one has more than one stall. The Authority remains focused on providing quality working environments for vendors while discouraging street trading.

Temporary Street Vending Zones for Festive Season

To accommodate the bustling business environment during the festive season, KCCA has temporarily designated Luwum Street and Namirembe Road both Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) zones for street vending from 5:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily until January 5.

Rusa urged vendors to utilize available market spaces to reduce street trading, which disrupts traffic flow and public order.

Rusa concluded by reiterating KCCA’s resolve to uphold the law and protect low-income earners from exploitation. "We are committed to fostering equitable opportunities for all market vendors and creating an organized trading environment in Kampala."