The National Entrepreneurs and Traders Association (Neta) has raised concerns over ongoing trade order enforcement operations in Kampala’s central business district by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), saying the exercise has negatively affected traders and the wider business environment.
Led by its President, Thadeus Musoke Nagenda, NETA acknowledged the patience of traders operating formal businesses, many of whom it says have suffered significant losses due to what it described as trade disorder and alleged misconduct by some KCCA enforcement officers.
The association claims that certain officers allocate trading spaces to specific vendors for personal benefit, undermining the relocation process and disrupting fair trade practices.
Despite its concerns, NETA pledged full support for efforts to restore order in the central business district, saying a structured trading environment is essential for sustainable economic growth.
The association advised street vendors to occupy available stalls in gazetted public markets, which it said offer safer and more organized trading spaces.
It also encouraged traders to explore opportunities in e-commerce and digital platforms, including online shops, to expand customer reach and boost sales volumes.
“As Neta-Uganda, we emphasize the need for a collaborative approach in implementing trade order in Kampala. We urge KCCA to work hand in hand with security agencies to ensure smooth and non-violent operations to vacate street vendors from the streets of Kampala,” Nagenda said.
He added that coordinated enforcement would ensure the safety of vendors and minimize disruption to legitimate business operations.
NETA also called on KCCA to address alleged bribery and corruption among enforcement officers to guarantee transparent and fair implementation of trade regulations.
The association further urged the city authority to engage trade bodies such as Federation of Uganda Traders Associations (Futa), Uganda National Traders Alliance (Unata), Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), and Uganda Traders and Entrepreneurs Association (UTEA) in developing inclusive policies that support business growth and economic development.
Neta said structured dialogue between authorities and trader associations would be critical in ensuring that efforts to restore order also protect livelihoods and promote fair competition within the city.
