The Ministry of Works and Transport (MoWT) has announced a nationwide crackdown on businesses and traders operating on road drainage structures, warning that such encroachments are illegal and pose serious risks to road safety and infrastructure.
Permanent Secretary Bageya Waiswa said the enforcement exercise will begin this month, targeting traders who have erected stalls, platforms, or shelters on drainage channels. “Trading or conducting any business on road drainage structures within the road reserves is illegal and unacceptable,” he stated.
According to the ministry, encroachment on drainage systems blocks water flow, weakens road surfaces, and increases flooding risks, especially during the rainy season. Officials noted that the practice damages critical road infrastructure and endangers the safety of road users and nearby communities.
The operation will start along key highways, including Gayaza–Kalagi, Busega–Bujjuuko, Kawempe–Bombo, Nakawa–Kireka–Bweyogerere, and Nansana–Kakiri, before expanding to other highways across the country.
Bageya urged traders to vacate voluntarily before enforcement begins, stressing that the move is backed by the Roads Act, 2019, which prohibits and penalizes such practices.
Allan Ssempebwa Kyobe, the ministry’s spokesperson, reinforced the warning on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “Trading on road drains is illegal! Blocked drains cause floods, render the roads unsafe and further damage them; let’s protect our roads. Development should be safeguarded at all costs.”
The ministry has called on the public to support the exercise, saying it is necessary to protect roads, ensure safety, and reduce flooding during the rainy season.
