Car dealers operating within road reserves and pedestrian walkways in parts of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area have been ordered to vacate immediately.

The directive was issued by Musa Ecweru, Uganda’s Minister of State for Works and Transport, who said enforcement operations will begin this week. “All car dealers operating in road reserves and pedestrian walkways must vacate immediately. The Roads Act, 2019 will be enforced. I have directed coordinated compliance operations with the Uganda Police Force to restore safety and order along Nakawa, Banda, Kireka and Bweyogerere effective this week,” Ecweru said.

Areas Affected by the Directive

The enforcement will target car dealers operating along key roadside stretches in:

- Nakawa

- Banda

- Kireka

- Bweyogerere

These areas, located along major highways connecting Kampala to eastern Uganda, have in recent years seen increased commercial activity within road reserves, particularly by motor vehicle dealers displaying cars for sale.

Enforcement Under the Roads Act, 2019

The minister emphasized that the directive is grounded in the Roads Act 2019, which regulates the use and protection of road infrastructure and reserves.

Road reserves are legally protected spaces designated for road expansion, drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, and public safety infrastructure. Unauthorized occupation of these spaces is prohibited under the law.

According to the minister, coordinated compliance operations will be conducted together with the Uganda Police Force to restore safety and order.

Government Cites Safety and Order

Authorities say the enforcement aims to:

- Protect pedestrian walkways

- Prevent traffic obstruction

- Improve road safety

- Preserve designated road infrastructure

Roadside car displays have become common along sections of the Kampala–Jinja Highway, especially in Nakawa, Kireka and Bweyogerere, raising concerns about pedestrian safety and congestion.

With compliance operations set to begin this week, affected car dealers are expected to remove vehicles from road reserves immediately.

Government agencies have not yet announced whether penalties, impoundments, or fines will be imposed on operators who fail to comply.