More than 200 roadside artisans in Nakawa are facing an uncertain future following intensified operations by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to remove street vendors from roads across Kampala.
The affected traders, operating under the umbrella of Nakawa Metal Box Makers, say they were given only two days to vacate the area where they have long run their small workshops, leaving many without an immediate source of income.
“We have worked from here for years. We grew up here and even raised our children while doing this work,” one artisan said. “Now we are being told to leave without being shown where to go.”
The group specialises in manufacturing metal boxes commonly used by schoolchildren. They say the trade has supported hundreds of families and provided employment opportunities for many youths in the area.
The artisans further claim that Yoweri Museveni previously visited their workplace, launched their savings cooperative — Nakawa Metal Box Makers SACCO — and pledged to support them in securing permanent premises.
“He came here, supported us to start our SACCO and promised to help us get a permanent place to work from,” another trader said. “Up to now, that promise has not been fulfilled.”
Peter Ssebagala, chairperson of the group, said the metal box-making business has played a significant role in addressing youth unemployment.
“This trade has helped many young people remain productive and earn a living,” Ssebagala said. “We expected the government to consider our situation differently instead of treating us like ordinary street vendors.”
The traders also accused some KCCA enforcement officers of mistreatment during the eviction process.
“They have blocked the paths we use to access our workplaces and treated us harshly,” one artisan alleged. “We are only asking for fairness and a designated place where we can continue working.”
The Nakawa Metal Box Makers are now appealing to government leaders and relevant authorities to intervene and help them secure an alternative workspace before the eviction takes full effect.
