Car dealers operating roadside bonds along the Kampala–Jinja Highway in the areas of Nakawa, Kireka and Banda have protested an eviction directive issued by the Ministry of Works and Transport Uganda.
The dealers say the ultimatum requiring them to vacate the area by Tuesday next week is too short and does not give them enough time to determine their next step, particularly because no alternative location has been provided.
Many of the traders say they have operated in the area for more than 20 years and that the businesses have become a major source of livelihood for hundreds of people. Mechanics, car washers, dealers and other workers have continued operating normally despite uncertainty surrounding the directive.
Several workers say the businesses help them support their families and they fear losing their jobs if the eviction is implemented without a clear relocation plan.
Leaders of the Nakawa Car Trust Dealers Association say more than 30 car bonds operate along the stretch and employ over 1,000 workers whose livelihoods could be affected by the eviction.
The association’s Speaker, Joseph Kisaasazi, said the dealers are not opposed to relocating but want government to provide more time and identify an alternative site where they can move their businesses.
Kisaasazi said they were surprised to learn about the directive through media reports, noting that the ministry had previously engaged them on matters concerning their operations.
He added that the association has written to the Minister of Works and Transport, Edward Katumba Wamala, requesting a meeting before the ultimatum expires so discussions can be held on how the relocation can be handled.
“We understand that we are operating within a road reserve and we are willing to relocate, but government should give us enough time and identify an alternative place where we can take our businesses,” Kisaasazi said.
However, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) says the eviction is necessary for safety and proper road management.
KCCA spokesperson Daniel Nuwabine said the car bonds are operating too close to the road, putting both workers and road users at risk.
“The structures are illegally operating within the road reserve and must be removed to ensure safety and proper road management. It is not the responsibility of KCCA to find an alternative location for them,” Nuwabine said.
The eviction directive was issued by the State Minister for Works and Transport, Musa Ecweru, who ordered the operators to vacate the road reserve along the Kampala–Jinja Highway before Tuesday next week.
Government officials say the presence of the car bonds contributes to traffic congestion and interferes with plans to construct drainage channels aimed at controlling flooding in the city.