Kiosks cleared in Nebbi municipality clean-up operation
The exercise, which began mid-morning on April 7, 2026, saw enforcement teams remove structures along key areas, including Arua Road, Pakwach Road, and lanes around the main market.
Kiosk being removed in Nebbi municipality along Arua Nebbi road. (Photo by Johnpaul Opio)
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Authorities in Nebbi Municipality have launched a major clean-up operation targeting kiosks and makeshift structures erected along road lanes, in a move aimed at restoring order, improving safety, and enhancing the town’s appearance.
The exercise, which began mid-morning on April 7, 2026, saw enforcement teams remove structures along key areas, including Arua Road, Pakwach Road, and lanes around the main market.
Speaking to journalists, senior enforcement officer Cukuru Adris said the operation is part of a broader effort to bring sanity to the municipality and reduce accidents caused by roadside congestion.
“This operation is meant to bring sanity, beautify the municipality, and reduce accidents that sometimes happen due to the presence of kiosks and makeshift structures along the road lanes. The exercise will continue until all road lanes are cleared,” Adris said.
Nebbi Municipality mayor, Ngiriker Geoffrey, commended residents who complied with earlier directives to voluntarily remove their structures, noting that enforcement action was only taken against those who ignored repeated warnings.
“I am grateful to the people who heeded our warnings and removed their kiosks peacefully,” Ngiriker said. “However, those who paid deaf ears have been affected because the law must be enforced.”
The mayor further revealed that the plan to remove roadside kiosks is not new, tracing it back to 2023 during ongoing road works in the municipality.
“This is not a new phenomenon. Discussions about removing kiosks along road lanes started in 2023 when we began improving our roads,” he added. “Some of these structures were also being used to keep illegal and stolen goods, which posed a security risk.”
The operation comes amid a wider countrywide enforcement drive on trade order, with authorities in several urban centres intensifying the removal of illegal roadside structures and vendors to streamline business operations and improve urban planning.
However, the operation has left some small-scale traders struggling to find alternative working spaces. Affected food vendor Amina Akumu, whose makeshift stall on Pakwach Road was demolished, expressed concern over limited business premises in the town.
“I will now operate my business under a tree as I look for a shop. The challenge is that there are not enough shops in the municipality. I have tried to get one but failed,” Akumu Said.
Municipal authorities have reiterated their commitment to sustaining the operation until all unauthorised structures are removed from road reserves, emphasising that the move is in the interest of public safety and orderly urban development.