Kampala Streets Empty as Authorities Begin Vendor Evictions -

Kampala’s streets and building verandas looked unusually deserted on Friday morning as authorities moved to enforce a directive ordering street vendors, boda boda riders without designated stages, and taxis operating illegally to vacate the city.

‎State Minister for Kampala, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, had earlier warned that enforcement officers from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the Uganda Police Force, and other security agencies would be deployed in large numbers to implement the eviction.

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‎By Friday morning, many of the usually congested streets and verandas in the city centre were empty. While early morning rainfall may have contributed to the absence, a few vendors were seen quietly seated on verandas with their goods beside them, seemingly waiting for the drizzle to subside

‎The empty streets followed a directive from Minister for Kampala, Minsa Kabanda, ordering street vendors, boda boda riders without authorised stages, and taxis operating outside gazetted stages to vacate the city.

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‎Vendors Protest

‎Some vendors told journalists that the directive was unfair, arguing that no alternative operating spaces had been allocated.

‎Rogers Katanyooleka, a street vendor, said claims of available KCCA market space are misleading.

‎“It is unfair to evict us from the streets when we have not been given any organised place to work from. They say there is space in the markets, but when you go there, you find there is none,” Rogers said.

‎He added that vendors are willing to comply with government directives but want proper allocation of space and transparent processes.

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‎“We are not refusing to leave the streets, but let them first show us where to go. We need designated spaces that we can afford,” he said.

‎Speaking to journalists at the Media Centre on Thursday afternoon, Kyofatogabye reaffirmed Kabanda’s directive and welcomed those who had voluntarily vacated.

‎am happy that some vendors have complied and left the streets peacefully. But at the strike of midnight, KCCA law enforcement officers, the Police, and other security agencies will be deployed in large numbers to ensure full enforcement of this directive,” he said.

‎He warned that boda boda riders and taxi operators found operating illegally would face stern action.

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‎“All illegal boda boda riders and taxis without designated stages will be impounded, and their owners prosecuted according to the law,” he added.

‎Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that the Uganda Police Force would back the operation.

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‎“We will support KCCA and other agencies to ensure that the directive is implemented lawfully and that order is maintained in the city,” he said.

‎KCCA maintains that there is sufficient space in its 17 public markets, with more than 2,000 vacant spaces in both KCCA-owned and privately owned markets. Kyofatogabye encouraged vendors to take advantage of the available spaces instead of operating illegally on the streets.

‎“There is space in our markets. Vendors are encouraged to apply and occupy the available stalls so that business can be conducted in an organised manner,” he said.

‎Street vending has long posed a challenge to Kampala’s leadership. Even former KCCA Executive Director Jennifer Musisi, known for her tough administrative style, previously took strict action against vendors, often dispersing them forcefully, but the practice persisted.

‎As enforcement looms, it remains unclear where many of the displaced vendors have relocated and how they will sustain their livelihoods without alternative operating spaces.

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