The National Entrepreneurs and Traders Association (NETA)–Uganda has endorsed the two-week ultimatum issued by the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, directing street vendors to vacate Kampala’s streets ahead of renewed enforcement of the city trade order.
The directive follows more than three months of worsening congestion in the capital, blamed on the proliferation of street vendors, illegal boda boda operators, and unauthorized taxi stages that have taken over major roads and walkways, disrupting traffic flow and formal business operations.
NETA–Uganda National Chairperson, Dr. Thadeus Musoke Nagenda, welcomed the government’s move, saying it was long overdue, but urged authorities to balance enforcement with practical support for affected vendors.
“As NETA–Uganda, we welcome the government’s implementation of the trade order policy, especially regarding street vendors whose continued presence on the streets has crippled businesses operating in shops,” Dr. Musoke said. “However, enforcement alone is not enough. We call for partnership with government to empower vendors with business skills, knowledge, and startup capital through their SACCOs so they can establish legal and sustainable enterprises.”
Dr. Musoke revealed that NETA had already instructed its legal team to prepare court action against Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) over delays in enforcing the trade order, citing heavy losses suffered by formal traders.
“The existence of street vendors has grossly affected our members, many of whom are recording significant financial losses due to unfair competition and blocked access to their shops,” he said.
Speaking earlier at the government-owned Media Centre in Kampala, Minister Kabanda had initially directed KCCA and the police to immediately enforce the trade order. However, following appeals from leaders of street vendors, she revised the directive and granted a two-week grace period for vendors to vacate the streets voluntarily.
The grace period is intended to allow vendors time to relocate to designated markets as authorities prepare for full enforcement aimed at restoring order, easing congestion, and improving the city’s business environment.
