The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) will begin full enforcement operations to clear the city’s streets of illegal vendors, taxi operators, and boda-boda riders
In his address to journalists and stakeholders on February 19th, 2026, at the Uganda Media Centre, State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Kyofatogabye Kabuye, declared that the grace period extended to illegal street vendors, taxi operators, and boda-boda riders has expired.
He noted that full implementation of the directive originally issued by the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, on February 5 begins immediately.
“The government, in collaboration with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), will without fail ensure that trade order is restored, starting tonight at 8:00 PM, enforcement operations will commence to clear roads, walkways, and other ungazetted spaces of illegal trading activities,” Minister Kyofatogabye stated.
According to the Minister, by midnight, all illegal vendors, taxi operators, and boda-boda riders (commonly referred to as Balubyanza) must vacate the streets, or they will face arrest, prosecution, and confiscation of their merchandise.
Kyofatogabye argued that the two-week grace period provided since early February allowed vendors time to relocate to designated market spaces or return to their home areas.
During this time, sensitization efforts were undertaken, and KCCA reportedly secured alternative workspaces, including 1,980 market stalls outside the central business district.
“This is not about chasing people away but about creating a clean, organized, safe, and livable Kampala for all residents, businesses, and visitors,” the Minister added.
The announcement comes amid mixed reactions from vendors, some of whom have expressed concerns about limited access to alternative trading spaces and vowed potential resistance.
However, the minister warned that defiance would not be tolerated, with joint enforcement teams from KCCA, police, and other authorities ready to act decisively.
During the conference, the KCCA Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki underscored KCCA’s commitment to restoring trade order, improving sanitation, enhancing public safety, and supporting organized commerce in Kampala.
She warned that no exceptions would be made after the February 19 deadline, urging remaining street vendors to relocate to designated markets without delay.
“We have provided ample opportunities for relocation, including securing an additional 1,980 market spaces outside the city to accommodate vendors,” Buzeki stated.
Additionally, Buzeki noted that KCCA operates 17 public markets, with 69 privately owned ones available within the jurisdiction. Vendors have been given sufficient time to move peacefully over two weeks of grace and we expect full compliance starting today.
The police spokesperson, ACP Kituuma Rusoke, pledges full support for KCCA street vendor enforcement as deadline expires. He highlighted joint operations involving identifiable officers equipped for transparency, with violators facing arrest, prosecution, and seizure of merchandise.
