The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has launched a two-week sensitisation exercise aimed at restoring orderly, safe and dignified trade in Kampala, with a particular focus on the Central Business District.
The exercise was announced on Thursday during a media briefing at the Media Centre by the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, who also confirmed the reinstatement of Sunday markets to provide temporary trading space for vendors not immediately accommodated in gazetted markets.
Kabanda said the initiative prioritises dialogue and voluntary compliance as KCCA works to guide traders into safer, cleaner and better organised trading areas.
“Our priority is to guide traders into safer, cleaner and better organised spaces that support sustainable business,” Kabanda said. “This sensitisation period allows for dialogue, voluntary compliance and practical solutions such as Sunday markets as we work together to build a more orderly and inclusive Kampala.”
The sensitisation exercise will run for two weeks starting February 5, 2026. During this period, KCCA officials, working with stakeholder leaders, will engage traders and transport operators to encourage voluntary relocation and compliance with existing laws and regulations.
Authorities said enforcement operations will only begin after the sensitisation period and will be conducted in a lawful, humane and coordinated manner, with the support of security agencies.
KCCA noted that trading remains a major source of livelihood for many city residents but stressed that Kampala, as the country’s capital, must remain clean, accessible and well organised for traders, customers, pedestrians and motorists.
Trade order is a statutory mandate of KCCA under the Kampala Capital City Act of 2010, supported by the Trade Licensing Act and the Local Governments (Kampala City Council) Maintenance of Law and Order Ordinance of 2006. City byelaws require street vendors to operate only with permits and within approved trading areas.
Following the recent general elections and the Christmas festive season, KCCA has observed a surge in commercial activity in unauthorised locations, including streets, road reserves and pedestrian walkways. Officials say the trend has worsened congestion, sanitation challenges, traffic disruption and public safety risks.
In response, KCCA convened a coordination meeting involving government officials, security agencies, trader representatives, taxi leaders and boda boda operators. The meeting agreed on the need for collective action to restore order in the CBD and ensure all operators work from designated spaces.
“This exercise is about engagement, not punishment,” said KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi. “We are giving traders time to understand the guidelines, identify available trading spaces and relocate voluntarily so the city can function safely and efficiently for everyone.”
Kigenyi said free trading spaces are available in gazetted public markets, including Usafi, Busega and Wandegeya. He added that KCCA is expanding market infrastructure, with Kamwokya, Ggaba and Usafi markets earmarked for construction, while Kintitale Market is nearing completion.
