Kampala, Uganda: The Government has assured traders affected by the ongoing Trade Order enforcement that alternative workspaces will be provided, as authorities move to ease concerns over displacement from streets and informal trading areas.
Speaking during a consultative meeting held at the Ministry of Local Government headquarters on April 23, 2026, Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya said the government is committed to ensuring that all affected vendors are resettled and able to resume business.
“The Government is committed to establishing enough trade spaces to ensure that affected vendors are able to return to business as soon as possible,” Kumumanya said.
The meeting, attended by traders’ representatives led by John Kabanda of the Federation of Uganda Traders Association, focused on reviewing the progress of Trade Order operations and harmonising implementation across local governments.
Kumumanya emphasized that the objective of the Trade Order is to restore order in urban areas by improving sanitation, easing traffic flow, and ensuring businesses operate within gazetted and approved trading spaces.
He, however, acknowledged concerns over the enforcement process, stressing that the issue lies not in the policy itself but in how it is being implemented.
The Permanent Secretary strongly condemned reports of harsh enforcement practices, including forceful evictions, confiscation of goods, and demolition of business structures without proper notice.
He warned that such actions undermine the intention of the policy and directed that enforcement must be conducted in a humane and lawful manner. “Enforcement must be carried out in a fair and humane way,” he said.
Representing the Kampala Capital City Authority, spokesperson David Nuwabine reported that licensed traders in Kampala have increased significantly since the rollout of the Trade Order.
He noted that the number has risen from 12,536 to over 20,000 since February 2026, indicating progress in formalising business operations and improving urban management.
Kumumanya announced that a follow-up meeting will be held within two weeks to provide updates after further consultations with stakeholders.
He also revealed plans for nationwide sensitisation campaigns and community barazas aimed at helping traders better understand the policy and its implementation.
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