The Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, has given unregulated operators and service providers a two-week ultimatum to leave the streets or face the law.
Kabanda’s directive, made today February 5th, 2026 at the Uganda Media Center, seeks to reduce congestion, accidents, filth, and fire hazards that plague Kampala’s streets.
The operators include street vendors, taxi drivers, and boda boda riders to vacate roadsides, walkways, and undesignated trading points across Kampala.
According to the Minister, the four-month grace period previously granted for compliance has expired, with full enforcement scheduled to commence on February 19, 2026.
She added that a two-week deferral period has been approved to allow affected traders to sell off remaining stock and relocate to gazetted markets.
“We are clearing walkways and roadsides to protect lives, improve safety, and restore order in the city. Kampala must be orderly and safe for all users,” Kabanda said.
She warned that anyone who resumes illegal trading after eviction will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Any goods found being traded illegally will be confiscated as provided for by law,” Kabanda warned.
Government teams from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the police, and other security agencies began enforcement shortly after the announcement. Officials said the operation builds on previous efforts, including KCCA’s 2025 relocation of vendors to gazetted markets and government support aimed at strengthening market infrastructure.
Under the directive, vendors are required to relocate to gazetted markets in Nakawa, Central Division, and Lubaga, where authorities say space, security, and sanitation facilities are available. Taxi and boda boda operators have been instructed to operate only from designated stages approved by KCCA.
Minister Kabanda said the government had suspended mass impoundments of goods and motorcycles to allow a smoother transition, urging operators to comply voluntarily.
Kampala has faced repeated challenges in regulating informal trade and transport operations, with previous crackdowns often followed by a return of vendors and operators to restricted areas.
Authorities say the latest operation will be continuous to ensure lasting compliance.
