Da Dona
Senior Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 134
- 134
What began as a high-profile street vendor eviction in Kampala has now spread to other cities.
In Kampala’s Central Business District, hundreds of informal traders were cleared from key roads in the February enforcement operation aimed at de-congesting city walkways and improving mobility. Displaced vendors have reacted angrily, vowing to return to busy streets including Nabugabo unless more realistic alternatives are offered
However it has turned into a nationwide crackdown, spreading to the rest of the country in a move to restore trade order in all cities in the country, in Mbale City- far East of the country. Authorities there recently gave street vendors a five-day deadline to leave roadside areas, warning that enforcement teams backed by police would begin clearing traders who continue to sell in pedestrian and ungazetted spaces.
Monitor which directive has been implemented leaving many vendors displaced .
Many street traders are reacting with frustration and uncertainty. Some say they were not given space in the city’s gazetted markets before the enforcement began.
In Mbarara City, authorities have given traders a two-week ultimatum to vacate street trading spots.
Across Uganda, urban authorities are increasingly emphasising the need for urban order, safety, and legal trade zones as cities grow.
In Kampala’s Central Business District, hundreds of informal traders were cleared from key roads in the February enforcement operation aimed at de-congesting city walkways and improving mobility. Displaced vendors have reacted angrily, vowing to return to busy streets including Nabugabo unless more realistic alternatives are offered
However it has turned into a nationwide crackdown, spreading to the rest of the country in a move to restore trade order in all cities in the country, in Mbale City- far East of the country. Authorities there recently gave street vendors a five-day deadline to leave roadside areas, warning that enforcement teams backed by police would begin clearing traders who continue to sell in pedestrian and ungazetted spaces.
Monitor which directive has been implemented leaving many vendors displaced .
Many street traders are reacting with frustration and uncertainty. Some say they were not given space in the city’s gazetted markets before the enforcement began.
In Mbarara City, authorities have given traders a two-week ultimatum to vacate street trading spots.
Across Uganda, urban authorities are increasingly emphasising the need for urban order, safety, and legal trade zones as cities grow.
