The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing trade order across cities and municipalities, insisting that the ongoing crackdown on illegal street vending will continue despite growing concerns from sections of traders.
In a press release dated April 28, 2026, the Ministry of Local Government announced that the implementation of the trade order directive—first issued in March—remains firmly on course, following Cabinet’s endorsement during its April 27 meeting.
The directive, aimed at restoring sanity in urban business environments, seeks to relocate traders operating in unauthorized spaces such as road reserves, drainage channels, pavements, and corridors into designated and regulated markets.
“Government’s directive is clear: restore order in our cities and municipalities while ensuring traders operate in safe, designated and lawful spaces,” the statement reads in part.
Signed by Raphael Magyezi, the communication underscores a hardline stance against disorderly trading, while attempting to strike a balance between enforcement and livelihood protection.
Crackdown Backed by Cabinet
The latest developments follow a Cabinet resolution backing continued enforcement of the trade order policy. Authorities argue that unregulated street vending has contributed to congestion, poor sanitation, and safety risks in urban centers such as Kampala and other municipalities.
According to the Ministry, the trade order guidelines were initially circulated on March 10, 2026, instructing all Chief Administrative Officers and Town Clerks to take immediate steps toward restoring organized business operations.
Among the key directives:
- Relocating street traders into formal markets and designated trading zones
- Removing campaign posters still displayed after the election period
- Enforcing strict food safety standards, including banning food vending on drainage channels
- Improving sanitation through routine cleaning of markets and better waste management
- Strengthening law enforcement to ensure all trade activities are licensed and regulated
Authorities say these measures are essential in creating cleaner, safer, and more organized urban spaces.
Traders Given Alternatives
Despite the strict tone, the government insists the exercise is not intended to punish traders but to protect them.
“No Ugandan should earn a living in unsafe drainage channels, road reserves or congested walkways,” the Ministry emphasized.
To address displacement concerns, officials revealed plans to:
- Identify and allocate new trading spaces for affected vendors
- Introduce weekly market days in convenient locations
- Work with stakeholders—including religious institutions and trader associations—to ease the transition
An inter-ministerial task force is also being established to oversee implementation and ensure coordination across agencies.
Rising Tension on the Ground
While officials describe the initiative as necessary, the directive has triggered mixed reactions among traders, particularly those who depend on high-traffic street locations for daily income.
Some vendors argue that relocation to formal markets often leads to reduced customer flow, threatening their survival. Others cite high market dues and limited space as ongoing challenges.
Government, however, maintains that sensitization campaigns will be intensified to bring all stakeholders on board and minimize resistance.
“We are stepping up community engagement to ensure that everyone understands the benefits of this policy,” the Ministry noted.
Legal Backing
The enforcement is anchored in existing laws, including the Trade (Licensing) Act (Cap 101), the Physical Planning Act, and the Building Control Act, giving local governments the mandate to regulate business operations within their jurisdictions.
Officials stress that compliance is not optional, warning that traders who defy the directive risk penalties.
A Broader Urban Agenda
The trade order initiative is part of a wider government strategy to modernize urban centers, improve public health, and enhance the country’s business environment.
By eliminating chaotic street trading, authorities hope to ease traffic congestion, reduce waste accumulation, and promote safer food handling practices.
As the policy rolls out, the coming weeks are expected to test the government’s ability to balance enforcement with economic realities on the ground.
For now, the message from authorities remains firm: order must be restored—and it will be enforced.
