By Ritah Atukwatse and Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Government has banned street and roadside vending, as well as illegal boda boda and taxi stages in Kampala, with enforcement set to begin on February 19, 2026.
The directive was issued by the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjati Minsa Kabanda, during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday.
Kabanda said street vending and hawking on roads, walkways, drainage channels, junctions and road reserves remain illegal and will not be tolerated.
“Illegal boda boda stages in the central business district are abolished with immediate effect. Riding on pedestrian walkways, obstructing traffic and operating without registration will result in instant impounding and arrest,” she said.
Kabanda added that the Government, through the Ministry for Kampala and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), has entered a phase of strict and continuous enforcement of all city laws and ordinances.
“The Government will no longer tolerate disorder, lawlessness and abuse of public space in the name of survival or politics,” she said.
The minister noted that the four-month grace period earlier granted to vendors had expired, saying the city must now function normally.
“Any person who turns to illegal trading after eviction will be arrested and prosecuted. Any goods found being traded illegally will be confiscated as provided for by law,” she said.
Kabanda also warned enforcement officers against corruption, saying any officer found soliciting bribes or aiding illegal trading will face disciplinary action. She added that political leaders who interfere with enforcement or shield lawbreakers will be reported to higher authorities.
Speaking at the same briefing, KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Moses Kigenyi said the operation is not aimed at targeting the poor, but at restoring order and transforming Kampala into a modern city.
“A city without order collapses on everyone, rich or poor alike. Kampala is not just a place of survival; it is the capital city of the Republic of Uganda. It must be clean, safe, passable and dignified,” Kigenyi said.
However, vendors appealed to Government to give them more time – 14 days, to clear their merchandise. Kabanda said enforcement would be deferred for two weeks to allow vendors to sell off their goods and relocate.
Data from KCCA indicates that Kampala has 30970 market vendors operating in the sixteen public markets and many others in private markets. Street and roadside vendors have been urged to utilise gazetted KCCA markets and occupy available spaces in order to operate legally.
