Two-week ultimatum as Kabale moves to clear street traders

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The Kabale Municipal Council has issued a two-week ultimatum to street vendors and boda boda riders operating within the town, warning that a major enforcement operation will begin on March 28, 2026. The directive signals a renewed push by authorities to restore order in the central business area and regulate informal economic activities that have increasingly taken over road reserves and public spaces.

The enforcement exercise is expected to affect a wide range of informal businesses, including street vendors, hawkers, unregistered mobile traders, roadside food sellers and boda boda riders operating outside officially designated stages. Municipal officials say the move is part of a broader strategy to improve urban planning, ease congestion and enhance safety within the town.

According to town clerk Jamil Kassajja, who announced the impending operation in a letter dated March 11, 2026, the municipality will focus on removing illegal and temporary structures erected along streets and in restricted areas.



He explained that many traders have gradually abandoned gazetted markets and instead opted to operate along roadsides, contributing to disorder and obstructing both pedestrian and vehicular movement.

Kassajja indicated that the council has already prepared alternative trading spaces to accommodate those affected by the directive. He pointed to Mwanjari and Bugongi as designated areas where vendors can relocate and continue their businesses in a more organised environment.

The municipality believes these areas will provide a structured setting that supports both trade and compliance with urban regulations.

The planned operation is also aligned with a wider government initiative aimed at streamlining business operations in urban centres across the country. Authorities argue that the rapid growth of informal trade, if left unchecked, undermines orderly development and creates challenges related to sanitation, traffic management and public safety.

Local government ministry permanent secretary Ben Kumumanya, in a circular dated March 10, 2026, ordered all chief administrative officers and town clerks to immediately clean up urban areas.

In addition to targeting vendors, the directive extends to boda boda riders operating outside approved stages. Municipal leaders say the presence of unregulated stages has contributed to traffic congestion and increased the risk of road accidents. By enforcing compliance, the council hopes to improve transport coordination and ensure safer movement within the municipality.

Despite the council’s intentions, the announcement has generated mixed reactions among traders. Some street vendors have raised concerns about the short notice given for relocation, warning that the directive could disrupt their livelihoods. Many depend on daily earnings from roadside trade and fear that moving to new locations may reduce their customer base.

A number of vendors have also expressed uncertainty about the readiness of the alternative sites, questioning whether the designated areas have adequate infrastructure to support their businesses. Concerns have been raised about accessibility, security and the availability of essential services such as water and sanitation.

On the other hand, traders operating within formal market structures have welcomed the move, describing it as long overdue. Vendors in established markets argue that street trading creates unfair competition, as informal traders often avoid paying rent, taxes and other operational costs required within gazetted markets.

Gloria Komuhangi, a trader in Kabale Central Market, believes the directive will help create a level playing field for all businesses. She notes that formal traders invest heavily in their enterprises, including securing stalls and meeting regulatory requirements, yet they continue to lose customers to street vendors who operate with fewer restrictions.

Similarly, Alex Muhwezi, another market vendor, says the convenience and lower prices offered by roadside traders have significantly reduced customer flow within the market. He maintains that enforcing order will not only benefit licensed traders but also improve the overall business environment in the municipality.

Urban planners and local leaders view the directive as a critical step towards transforming Kabale into a more organised and sustainable urban centre. However, they acknowledge that enforcement must be handled carefully to avoid unintended social and economic consequences, particularly for vulnerable groups who rely on informal trade for survival.

As the March 28 deadline approaches, attention is now focused on how effectively the municipality will implement the directive.