Imagine a bustling city where street vendors line every corner, creating a vibrant yet chaotic atmosphere. But what if this very vibrancy is jeopardizing public safety and order? The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has just dropped a bombshell: a seven-day ultimatum for all unauthorized street vendors to clear out. And this is where it gets even more intriguing—the government is offering 2,320 free market stalls to ease the transition. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a genuine effort to restore order, or a move that could disrupt the livelihoods of thousands? Let’s dive in.
On Friday, October 24, 2025, KCCA announced a bold directive aimed at reclaiming city roads, walkways, and non-gazetted areas from unauthorized trading. Vendors have until the end of this notice period to relocate to designated market spaces. The goal? To transform Kampala into a cleaner, safer, and more organized city. But this is the part most people miss: the enforcement begins in the Central Business District (CBD) on October 31, 2025, targeting high-traffic areas like Ben Kiwanuka Street, Luwuum Street, and Kikuubo Lane. It’s a high-stakes operation that could reshape the city’s landscape.
But here’s the twist: KCCA isn’t just cracking down on trading locations. In a separate but equally urgent move, they’ve banned the use of charcoal stoves (sigiri) and other fire-generating equipment in taxi parks and along streets. Why? Because these practices pose a severe fire hazard, endangering lives and property. It’s a safety measure that’s hard to argue with, but it also raises questions about how vendors will adapt.
To soften the blow, the Government of Uganda has stepped in with a generous offer: 2,320 free market stalls across seven KCCA-owned markets. The breakdown is impressive—Usafi Market leads with 1,000 spaces, followed by Busega Market (500), City Abattoir (250), and Kamwokya Market (250). Vendors need only an LC1 letter and a copy of their National ID to apply. But here’s the catch: the application process must be completed immediately through KCCA Market Allocation Committees and Administrators. It’s a race against time, and not everyone may cross the finish line.
Now, here’s the controversial question: Is this relocation effort a win-win for the city and its vendors, or does it disproportionately favor order over livelihoods? KCCA insists it’s about providing a fair transition to gazetted workplaces, but critics argue that the sudden shift could leave some vendors stranded. What do you think? Is this a step toward a better Kampala, or a move that overlooks the needs of its most vulnerable entrepreneurs? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that matters.
