As the government’s deadline draws closer, street vendors in Kampala have pledged not to leave city roads for the designated marketplaces introduced by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), arguing that the spaces are too cramped and unlikely to attract enough customers.

Soon after the general elections, authorities announced that informal traders would be removed from Kampala’s streets starting February 19 to reclaim public areas that have become crowded with unregulated commerce. Over the weekend, KCCA issued a directive requiring vendors to transfer their operations to seven government-set markets, including Usafi, Busega, and Wandegeya, where authorities claim 2,520 free stalls are available.

KCCA has also stated that an additional 1,980 stalls are ready for traders in surrounding towns like Entebbe, Mpigi, and Mukono. Officials say plans are in motion to build roughly 10,000 more stalls over the next two years. However, many street sellers interviewed by journalists rejected the offer.

Led by Ismail Mubiru, Chairperson of the Fuba-Tukole Walkers and Vendors Association, the traders argue that the proposed facilities are insufficient and inaccessible. “The reality is, most of these markets have no space. Look at Usafi, it’s still not finished. At Owino, vendors are working in shifts. In Wandegeya, there’s barely any room left,” Mubiru said, adding that genuine support would require a purpose-built market facility.

“We represent a large, growing community. There are more than 5,000 of us operating in the city centre alone, and more traders are being displaced from arcades to the streets. Many were previously based along the Nakivubo Channel before that area was cleared. So where are we expected to go now?”

Some vendors say they are prepared to defy the Wednesday enforcement deadline, warning that any attempt to push them out of their current locations could lead to clashes as they fight to protect their livelihoods. Others criticized the designated markets as poorly sited and unlikely to draw sufficient customers.

Beyond the issue of street vending, KCCA, in partnership with the Directorate of Traffic Police and the Ministry of Works and Transport, has also announced plans to step up enforcement against boda boda riders working outside approved stages, along with efforts to regulate taxis, in an attempt to ease traffic congestion across the city.

For background on KCCA’s eviction timeline and enforcement plans, see this article:
https://sunrise.ug/news/202602/kampala-street-vendors-two-week-ultimatum-kcca-enforcement

URN