KCCA warns against street vending in campaigns

By Lawrence Mulondo

KAMPALA Capital City Authority (KCCA) has warned vendors against operating illegal businesses especially street vending in the city during the campaigns.

In an interview with New Vision, the authority spokesperson Peter Kaujju said they have realized that the habit is on the rise especially during campaign rallies.

Kaujju said the act is a disadvantage to those who operate legally and those who pay trading licenses as they lose customers to street vendors.

He added that people compete for space on walkways as vendors display their goods on pavements.

Kaujju explained that street vendors take advantage of KCCA enforcement officers' absence to trade.

"The authority will add vigilance to see that we don't lose what we have installed in the city in this campaign period," he said.

He however said they wouldn't want any of the people in the city to face the authority's penalties for any of these actions.

The penalties for street vending in the city include being fined up to sh600000, serving a three months sentence or serving community work.

Kaujju further emphasized that unauthorized campaign posters will not be allowed in the city and requested all candidates to consult the KCCA before putting up their posters.

In October, KCCA took a move and removed posters in Nakawa claiming that they were put up without authority.

Candidates have to pay sh500 for each poster throughout the campaign season.