Seven Mbale street vendors remanded over disrupting public peace

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As of early March 2026, intensified crackdowns against unauthorised street vending in Mbale city have led to arrests, with a total of seven vendors being remanded to Maluku government prison in Mbale city. 

Authorities insist that the operations will continue in order to enforce the trade order on the streets.

In the past weeks, over 50 suspects were arrested. Seven of these on Thursday appeared before Mbale city grade one magistrate Hope Mudega Tendo on charges of disturbing public peace.

The accused were promptly remanded to the Maluku government Prison until next month.

In mid-February, Mbale City authorities began a massive operation evicting hundreds of street vendors after a one-week ultimatum, with security forces arresting those who resisted.

The crackdown aims to restore order, reduce tax losses, and move vendors into designated market spaces.

These actions are part of ongoing efforts by city authorities in Mbale city to regulate urban trade and enforce authorised operating areas. 

The operations are characterised by intense patrolling and the forced removal of vendors from unauthorised areas. 

The continued trade order enforcement actions in Mbale city are successfully yielding notable compliance among street vendors, with many relocating to designated markets to avoid arrest and confiscation of goods.

Hundreds of street vendors, illegal structure owners, illegal taxi parks, bus parks and lorry trucks.

The initiative, which began in earnest around February 19-20, 2026, aims to organise the economy, improve sanitation, and clear sidewalks in the central business districts. 

Mbale city has reported a high level of compliance, with many vendors voluntarily moving to avoid enforcement actions.

Over a score of vendors have registered in gazetted markets, where authorities are focusing on formalising trade rather than simply evicting them.

Security agencies and Mbale city enforcement teams are active, with warnings that non-compliant vendors face prosecution and seizure of goods.

The directive applies to street vendors, hawkers, and "boda boda" (motorcycle taxi) riders operating in unauthorised spaces.

While compliance is high, some traders have expressed concerns that moving to formal markets could affect their daily income due to lower customer traffic. 

The initiative aims to address the chaotic nature of, and lack of regulation in, the previous, unregulated street vending setup.

City officials have directed vendors to move into public markets, specifically mentioning that ample space exists in areas like the Kumi Road Market.

The crackdown focuses on cleaning up pedestrian walkways, removing traders selling produce and clothes on roadsides, and banning illegal taxi/boda boda stages.

Town Clerk Assy Abirebe emphasised that the city must be organised, stating, "Traders should move before being moved".

Vendors have expressed concerns over the sudden eviction, noting it could hinder their livelihoods and ability to repay loans, such as those from the Parish Development Model.