GULU CITY, UGANDA: Roadside vendors in Gulu City have protested a city-wide eviction that began Monday, accusing authorities of stripping them of their livelihoods without providing alternative trading spaces.
The enforcement followed the expiry of a two-week ultimatum issued by city authorities, which lapsed on March 15, as part of efforts to restore order, improve sanitation, and ease congestion in the northern city.
Gulu City Clerk Ahimbisibwe Innocent defended the operation, saying it is being implemented uniformly across all unauthorised traders.
“This is not targeting a specific group. All kiosks and vendors operating in unauthorized spaces, including mobile money stalls, must be removed. We are doing this to bring sanity back to the city,” he said.
The move has, however, triggered frustration among vendors who say the eviction has disrupted their only source of income.
Grace Ayaa, a roadside food vendor, said authorities failed to consider their welfare before enforcing the directive. “They just came and told us to leave. No alternative place, no guidance. This is how I survive and take care of my children. Now everything is gone,” she said.
Peter Odoch, a mobile money operator, described the eviction as abrupt and unfair. “We are not refusing to follow the law, but they should first show us where to go. You cannot wake up one day and chase people like animals,” he said.
Sarah Acen, a second-hand clothes trader, said the two-week notice was insufficient for relocation. “We needed more time and support. Now we are counting losses,” she noted.
James Okello, a fruit vendor, warned that some traders may be forced to abandon the city entirely. “If there is no place for us here, we shall go back to the villages. But even there, life is not easy,” he said.
Despite the backlash, some residents and formal business operators have welcomed the crackdown, citing long-standing concerns over congestion and unfair competition.
Rose Atim, a licensed market vendor, said roadside traders had distorted business conditions. “We pay rent and taxes, but others just occupy the streets and take customers. This exercise is necessary,” she said.
Michael Labeja, a shop owner in the central business district, said the move would improve accessibility for customers. “The roads were blocked, and customers could not access our shops. This will improve business and movement,” he noted.
Boda boda rider David Ongom also backed the enforcement, citing traffic disruptions caused by street vending. “There was too much congestion. Sometimes you could spend minutes stuck because of vendors on the road. Order is important,” he said.
Local leaders have, however, raised concerns about the approach, particularly the short notice and lack of relocation plans for affected traders. “The intention may be good, but the approach is the problem. People need to be resettled, not just removed,” one local leader said.
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