The Nakawa East Member of Parliament and Shadow Minister for Kampala, Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, has criticized a recent directive by the Kampala minister Minsa Kabanda to suspend the operations of street vendors, boda boda riders, and taxi operators in the city, saying it was issued without proper consultation.
Speaking to the press , Balimwezo said the minister failed to engage the Lord Mayor’s office and other key stakeholders before issuing the directive, describing the move as unilateral and inconsiderate.
“The Kampala minister did not consult the Lord Mayor’s office and other stakeholders as she addressed the directive to suspend vendors, boda bodas, and taxis in the city,” Balimwezo said.
While acknowledging the need to maintain cleanliness and order in Kampala, the Nakawa East legislator questioned whether the government had put in place alternative measures to support those affected by the directive.
“Yes, we want the city clean, but what alternative measures have you put in place to solve the vendors’ needs?” he asked.
Balimwezo further argued that the directive lacks a legal basis, noting that the relevant law governing such actions is still under discussion and has not yet been passed.
“The law is still in the pipeline, so the minister is out of order to give a directive. This will only frustrate Ugandans,” he said.
He called on the government to halt the implementation of the directive and instead pursue dialogue with city leadership, traders, and transport operators to find inclusive and lawful solutions that balance urban management with livelihoods.
