The Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, has maintained that the authority will fully enforce its directive banning street vending in Kampala once the two-week grace period expires on February 19.
Addressing journalists at City Hall, Buzeki said the decision followed a careful assessment of trade order in the city and will be implemented without exception after the deadline.
“We are implementing trade order in the city, and we shall not turn a blind eye to anyone after the deadline. Vendors have been given enough time to relocate peacefully,” she said.
Buzeki revealed that KCCA operates 17 public markets, alongside 69 privately owned markets within the city. She added that 1,980 additional vending spaces have been secured in neighbouring districts to accommodate traders willing to relocate.
“There is space for every vendor. We have prepared markets within the city and outside Kampala. What we need now is cooperation,” she noted.
The directive, issued on February 5, targets vendors operating along major streets and junctions across the capital.
Buzeki said inspections conducted by the authority uncovered health and safety concerns, particularly food items displayed in unsanitary conditions.
“We discovered that some traders are selling substandard products and food in dirty places. This puts the lives of Kampala residents at risk,” she explained.
She added that street vending has contributed to the destruction of public infrastructure, including pedestrian walkways and flower beds funded by government.
The Executive Director further argued that street vending creates unfair competition for traders operating in formal premises who pay rent and taxes.
“It is not fair for someone paying taxes and rent to compete with a person selling freely on the roadside,” she said.
Buzeki warned that enforcement after February 19 will be conducted jointly with police and KCCA law enforcement officers.
“We shall work with security agencies to ensure full compliance. I urge vendors to leave the streets before enforcement begins,” she cautioned.
She also encouraged traders who may struggle to secure space immediately to explore online selling platforms, assuring them that KCCA is ready to guide those unfamiliar with digital systems.
As the deadline approaches, some vendors remain uncertain about relocation plans. However, KCCA insists the directive is intended to restore order, improve sanitation and create a fair business environment in the capital.
“This is about making Kampala clean, organised and safe for both traders and customers,” Buzeki emphasised.
