City dwellers who had long struggled with congestion in the central business district have expressed relief following a sweeping enforcement operation targeting street vendors by the Kampala Capital City Authority.
KCCA, together with security agencies, demolished stalls belonging to vendors operating along roads and building arcades after the expiry of earlier eviction notices.
However, vendors who lost their merchandise expressed anger, accusing politicians of exploiting them for votes and later abandoning them.
At around midnight, KCCA enforcement officers, backed by security personnel, moved through the city centre demolishing illegal structures erected along roads and arcades, in line with the authority’s directive to restore order.
Despite desperate pleas from vendors who had spent the night guarding their stalls, efforts to salvage merchandise were unsuccessful.
Confiscated goods were initially taken to the Uganda Police Force before being transferred to KCCA custody.
By early morning, roads that had previously been crowded with vendors, including Namirembe Road, Luwum Street, Nabugabo Street and Kikuubo, as well as areas around Mini Price, were visibly clear. Pedestrians moved freely through spaces that had long been difficult to navigate due to heavy congestion.
Security remained tight throughout the day, with patrol vehicles deployed across the city centre. KCCA enforcement officers worked alongside police to prevent vendors from returning, while city cleaners cleared debris and restored order in affected areas.
The operation left many vendors devastated. Some were seen holding their heads in disbelief as they faced the destruction of their workspaces, while others stood silently, struggling to come to terms with the loss of their livelihoods.
Vendors who spoke to reporters accused political leaders of abandoning them after benefiting from their electoral support. They also raised concerns about overcrowding in designated markets, saying the available space is insufficient to accommodate all affected traders.
Leaders under their umbrella body, the Kampala City Traders Association, have threatened to petition Parliament and organise peaceful demonstrations, arguing that their earlier appeals to authorities were ignored.
Meanwhile, many pedestrians welcomed the enforcement, saying it has improved security and reduced theft and congestion in the city centre. Shop owners also supported the operation, noting improved accessibility to their premises.
However, some expressed concern over restrictions on displaying merchandise outside arcades, warning that the limitations could negatively impact their businesses.
The operation also affected transport operators, including boda boda riders and taxi drivers, who were observed operating strictly from designated stages, with fewer vehicles stopping along roads to pick up passengers.
All confiscated merchandise from the operation has since been transported to the KCCA yard in Nakulabye as enforcement efforts to decongest the city continue.