Iganga, Uganda: Traders in Iganga are demanding clear relocation alternatives after municipal authorities intensified an operation to remove roadside kiosks and street vendors operating in unrecognized structures.
The enforcement exercise, now in its fourth day, is being carried out by Iganga Municipal Council with support from the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), aimed at restoring order and decongesting the town.
Several roadside kiosks have already been dismantled, and vendors have been directed to relocate to designated markets, including Iganga Central Market, Abbey Mukwaya Market and Luba Market.
Freedom Square Dispute
Some vendors attempted to temporarily occupy Freedom Square along Old Market Street without official clearance, prompting intervention from authorities.
Municipal Commercial Officer Kisaame Herbert said Freedom Square has been reserved as a temporary relocation site for vendors from Iganga Central Market once construction of a modern market begins.
“That place is reserved for vendors in the Central Market. It is a relocation place for central market vendors during the construction of the market. They were begging that they stay for some time but we told them to wait as we looked for other alternatives. We are engaging the railway station authorities,” Kisaame said.
He explained that the modern market project is funded by the World Bank, and municipal authorities had earlier identified Freedom Square as the temporary relocation site for affected central market vendors.
Kisaame also condemned individuals allegedly collecting money from traders in exchange for space at Freedom Square, warning that such transactions are illegal.
“We have heard that some people are paying to get spaces in Freedom Square. This is not official. No one is allowed to operate there because it was designed to accommodate vendors from the Central Market once construction begins,” he said.
Traders Cry Foul
Some traders told DailyExpress that they were caught unaware despite prior notices issued by authorities. Others blamed landlords for failing to communicate relocation directives.
“It is so hurtful that we have been paying ground rent without being informed that we existed illegally. Some of us had already paid annual rent to our landlords, but we later heard that notices had been served,” one kiosk vendor said.
Municipal authorities, however, advised traders to consider sharing rental spaces within town to reduce individual business costs.
“We ask our traders to work together and rent houses in town. Two or three people can share one space. The challenge is that some people want to operate alone yet costs are high,” Kisaame added.
Authorities also noted that an earlier agreement allowing traders to operate at the railway grounds had expired and requires renewal if it is to continue serving as an alternative space.
Balancing Order and Livelihoods
While municipal leaders insist the crackdown is necessary to restore order and improve urban planning, affected traders are calling for better sensitization and structured relocation plans to safeguard their livelihoods.
The operation continues as discussions between traders and municipal authorities remain ongoing.
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