The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, has instructed the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to continue full enforcement of Trade Order within the city and the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), even as a nationwide suspension was announced in Parliament.
In a statement issued on April 28th, 2026, Kabanda explained that although the Ministry of Local Government paused the exercise in several areas outside Kampala following remarks by David Bahati on April 24th, 2026, the capital described as the face of the nation will not roll back the progress achieved over the past two months.
The issue was reviewed during a Cabinet meeting held on April 27th, 2026, where Trade Order was declared “nonnegotiable.”
“Cabinet agreed that Kampala is the Capital City of Uganda and the face of our nation. The standards we set here must reflect order, discipline, and structured economic activity,” the statement read in part.
Key directives included the continuation of Trade Order enforcement in Kampala without interruption, a requirement for the KCCA Executive Director to safeguard the gains already made, and instructions for enforcement teams to remain firm, consistent, and professional in their work.
Since the exercise began on February 19th, 2026, authorities reported significant improvements, including the clearing of major streets in the Central Business District, restoration and greening of walkways, and the allocation of 1,663 out of 2,520 prepared market work spaces. Officials also recorded a 146 percent increase in new business licenses, totaling 22,909 and generating UGX 5.07 billion between February 19th and April 27th, 2026.
Additional progress has been noted in waste management, drainage systems, and the organization of public transport.
Kabanda expressed appreciation to traders, business groups, security agencies, and the public for their cooperation, while cautioning that illegal street vending and road encroachment would face strict enforcement measures.
“At KCCA, we pledge not to backtrack. Enforcement will remain firm, consistent, and people-centred,” the Minister affirmed.
