The President of the National Entrepreneurs and Traders Association Uganda (NETA), Thadeus Musoke, has called for the establishment of a clear and structured trading system in Kampala, emphasizing the need to balance law enforcement with support mechanisms for affected street vendors.
Speaking during Sanyuka Morning Xpress on Tuesday, Musoke acknowledged the complexities surrounding street vending, drawing from his own personal experience as a former street hawker.
“As someone who was once a street hawker, I understand why many believe hawking does not break the law; however, the city needs a clear trading order,” he said.
Musoke stressed the importance of educating vendors about sustainable business practices, noting that long-term economic growth and stability are difficult to achieve while operating informally on city streets.
“We must establish a system to educate street vendors that long-term development is difficult while operating on the streets,” he said.
Musoke further expressed concern over individuals who deliberately disregard established regulations.
“It is unfortunate that some people knowingly wake up and choose to break the law, especially as we continue efforts to fight counterfeit goods,” he said.
In light of the impending enforcement measures, Musoke proposed the creation of a special fund aimed at cushioning street vendors who will be affected by the directive.
“Nothing should stop us from creating a special fund to support the street vendors who will be affected,” he said.
The enforcement exercise was initially announced on February 5 by Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda and has since been championed by the Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Sharifah Buzeki.
Buzeki has maintained that the authority is committed to restoring trade order in the city and will proceed with enforcement without exception after the February 19 deadline. The directive specifically targets vendors operating along major streets and junctions within Kampala.
According to KCCA, the decision followed a comprehensive assessment of trade order across the city. Authorities have cited several concerns, including public health risks associated with food displayed in unsanitary conditions, destruction of public infrastructure such as pedestrian walkways and government-funded flower beds, and unfair competition against traders operating from formal premises who pay rent and taxes.
Buzeki revealed that KCCA currently manages 17 public markets and works alongside 69 privately owned markets within the city. Additionally, 1,980 vending spaces have been secured in neighbouring districts to accommodate traders willing to relocate.
She further warned that enforcement operations after the February 19 deadline will be conducted jointly by police and KCCA law enforcement officers.
