Vendors want operating licenses to work legally

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City vendors and hawkers in downtown Kampala have petitioned the government through their umbrella body, the Federation of Uganda Traders’ Associations (FUTA), seeking legal recognition and improved working conditions.

In their petition, the traders asked the government to grant them operating licenses to work legally in the central business district, reinstate Sunday and evening markets, and extend the current eviction ultimatum by at least one month to enable them benefit from the back-to-school season.



FUTA Chairman John Kabanda thanked the government for allowing traders to form an umbrella association to channel their concerns and assured vendors that their petition would be delivered to all relevant offices.

“These are Ugandans struggling to work, not to commit crimes. We will engage the government to ensure their concerns are addressed,” Kabanda said, urging traders to remain calm and patient. Several vendors also raised concerns over alleged harassment and confiscation of goods during enforcement operations.

“KCCA enforcement officers ask for between sh200,000 and sh300,000, which is far above our capital,” said vendor Pauline Nabbosa, claiming that those who fail to pay risk arrest or losing their merchandise.

Other traders, including Rose Nassali, Brenda Banola and Harriet Araba, appealed to the government to consider their families, saying daily sales are their only source of income.

The petition has come at a time when the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, has just agreed to reinstate the Sunday market. However, she directed vendors to vacate the streets after two weeks, saying the period is sufficient for them to benefit from the back-to-school business.

Traders say they are hopeful that continued dialogue will lead to a lasting solution that balances city order with their livelihoods.