Street vendors: City clear as govt directive takes full effect
Vendors who had been operating in areas around Kalerwe Market and Bwaise were also removed as enforcement extended beyond the central business district.
Government’s directive ordering vendors and hawkers off city streets was fully implemented. (Credit: Eria Luyimbazi)
KAMPALA - Kampala woke up to a rare scene this morning as the government’s directive ordering vendors and hawkers off city streets was fully implemented.
For the first time in years, major streets in the central business district and surrounding metropolitan areas were completely free of roadside traders.
From Ben Kiwanuka Street to Luwuum Street, Channel Street, Namirembe Road, Ssebaana Road and the usually bustling Arua Park, the pavements were clear. Both pedestrians and motorists moved freely, with traffic flowing smoothly as if it were a public holiday.
For the first time in years, major streets in the central business district and surrounding metropolitan areas have been cleared by KCCA enforcement officials. (All Photos by Eria Luyimbazi)
The development follows the expiry of a two-week ultimatum issued by the Minister for Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, directing all vendors and hawkers to vacate the streets and relocate to designated trading spaces.
The government had identified more than 2,500 alternative working spaces across the city.
Markets such as Usafi Market, Wandegeya Market, Nakawa Market and Ntinda Market have since received relocated traders.
Vendors who had been operating in areas around Kalerwe Market and Bwaise were also removed as enforcement extended beyond the central business district.
Despite complying with the directive, some traders have appealed to government to ensure the new spaces provide a safe and conducive working environment.
Joseph Kagolo, one of the vendors’ leaders in downtown Kampala, urged authorities to improve infrastructure in the allocated markets.
“Some of the spaces need renovation, while others require restructuring so that our goods can be clearly displayed,” he said.
Margaret Namaganda, a fruit vendor from Kalerwe, echoed similar concerns. She noted that vendors dealing in fast-moving goods such as vegetables, fruits, handkerchiefs and sweets depend on visible displays to attract customers.
Traders are now calling on government to work closely with market leaders to ensure proper organization, security and better facilities in the new working areas.
For now, however, Kampala’s streets remain unusually calm, a clear sign that the government’s long-debated directive has finally taken full effect.