Kampala Minister and MP Lulume differ on vendors' compensation

_________________

A heated debate erupted between the PFF’s deputy president in charge of Buganda and the Buikwe South Member of Parliament, Micheal Bayigga Lulume and the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, over compensation of vendors from city streets.

“Many vendors have been operating on the streets for years, relying on the income to support their families. The relocation without compensation is seen as a threat to their livelihoods because many have been operating in kiosks, paying license and taxes to the government,” Lulume said.

Lulume also expressed concern over the rampant eviction of vendors across the country, with those who have been paying licenses and operating in shanty structures in the country losing their properties during the security forces' crackdown.

Addressing a press conference that was held at Plot 6, Katonga road in Nakasero on Monday, March 23, 2026, Lulume suggested that those who have been warned and have received ample time to adjust should have had their premises closed by KCCA, other than breaking into them, exposing their valuable items to theft.

PFF deputy president in charge of Buganda and the Buikwe South Member of Parliament, Micheal Bayigga Lulume, addressing a press conference at the PFF office in Nakasero, Kampala, on Monday, March 23, 2026. (Photo by Isaac Nuwagaba)

Lulume called on the government to reconsider its decision and engage with vendors to find a solution that works for everyone. “We are not against development, but it should not come at the expense of the poor,” he said. The PFF party has vowed to support the vendors and ensure that their voices are heard.

"It is the responsibility of the government to organise for them conducive spaces where they can operate from because they are part of unemployment, the government has failed to address,” Lulume insisted.

Lulume argues that the vendors have been operating on the streets for years and have a right to earn a living. “The government cannot just wake up one day and decide to relocate them without providing alternative solutions,” he observed.

KCCA minister responds

Minister Minsa, on the other hand, has defended the government's decision, stating that the relocation is necessary to restore order and cleanliness in the city and urban centres.

The KCCA minister, Minsa Kabanda, explaining the government position on cracking down on street vendors in the country to create trade order and decongest Kampala city. (Photos by Isaac Nuwagaba)

Minsa emphasised that the government has put in place measures to support the vendors, including providing stalls in government-run markets as a positive approach to urban planning and the treatment of vulnerable groups.

Responding to Lulume’s concern, Minsa said that the crackdown is part of a broader, long-term initiative to modernise Kampala, including a smart city agenda that requires freeing up public spaces.

“It is not only Kampala that needs the trade order restored. The government started Parish Development Model (PDM) funding to the poor people who should engage in production from where they live without necessarily congesting towns and cities,” Minsa observed.

“To achieve regional development balances, people must learn to work from their regions as part of decongesting Kampala and start home-based production that empowers all the regions if we are to realise meaningful social and economic transformation countrywide,” Minsa added.