The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has embarked on a major operation to restore order, safety, and sanitation within the city by directing all street vendors operating in unauthorized spaces to vacate within seven days.
According to the directive, the notice takes effect from October 24, 2025, and vendors have until Thursday, October 31, 2025, to comply before enforcement begins.
The exercise will start with the Central Business District (CBD), targeting some of the most congested streets, including Ben Kiwanuka Street, Luwuum Street, Nasser Road, Nakivubo Road, Allen Road, and Kikuubo Lane.
KCCA stated that the decision is part of an ongoing effort to bring back order to Kampala’s streets, enhance public safety, and promote a clean and organized environment suitable for both traders and pedestrians.
The Authority emphasized that unregulated street vending has for years contributed to traffic congestion, poor sanitation, and an increased risk of fire outbreaks and accidents in the city.
“The enforcement exercise aims to restore order, improve public safety and sanitation, and reduce fire and accident risks associated with unregulated street vending,” the statement from KCCA read in part.
Government Provides Over 2,000 Free Alternative Workspaces for Vendors
In a move aimed at providing humane and inclusive solutions, the Government of Uganda has provided 2,320 free market stalls across different KCCA-owned markets to accommodate street vendors affected by the directive.
According to KCCA, the stalls are located in markets within Nakawa, Central, and Lubaga divisions. The Authority noted that these spaces are meant to ensure that vendors continue their businesses in a safe and regulated environment.
KCCA further clarified that the market spaces are being offered completely free of charge.
“All that is required is a copy of a National ID and an introduction letter from the LC1 Chairperson,” the Authority said.
Street vendors have been urged to report to the designated Market Administrators listed in the official notice for assistance in securing these stalls.
The initiative is part of KCCA’s broader urban management plan, which seeks to promote formal trading, enhance revenue collection, and protect the livelihoods of informal traders by integrating them into recognized market structures.
Immediate Ban on Food Vendors Using Charcoal Stoves in Public Spaces
In addition to the directive on street vending, KCCA has also imposed an immediate ban on food preparation or sale using charcoal stoves (locally known as *sigiris*) or any fire-generating equipment in public spaces such as taxi parks, streets, and pavements.
The Authority warned that these practices not only obstruct movement but also pose serious fire hazards to the public.
KCCA said the decision follows multiple incidents of fires linked to street food preparation, particularly in congested areas where vendors operate in close proximity to fuel stations, vehicles, and electrical infrastructure.
KCCA Emphasizes Collective Responsibility in Restoring City Order
KCCA called on all city dwellers, business operators, and community leaders to support the initiative, stressing that transforming Kampala into a livable and organized metropolis requires collective responsibility.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure, promoting organized trade, and ensuring public safety for both vendors and residents.
KCCA reiterated its vision of building “a clean, organized and liveable city for all,” urging full compliance with the new directive to avoid penalties or forced eviction.
The enforcement teams are expected to work closely with the Kampala Metropolitan Police and local leadership to ensure that the exercise is carried out peacefully and transparently, prioritizing dialogue and relocation over confrontation.
Through this initiative, KCCA aims to balance economic opportunity with public order — creating a city environment where commerce thrives without compromising safety, hygiene, or urban planning standards.
