Video: KCCA Clears Kampala Streets of Illegal Kiosks | Vendors Stranded
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) conducted a big cleanup exercise overnight on Kampala streets. Enforcement teams, aided by police, removed illegal kiosks and unplanned structures from streets and buildings across the city. The exercise followed a rigorous two-week ultimatum.
Authorities ordered street sellers, unregistered boda boda riders, and taxis outside designated parks to evacuate by 8:00 pm on February 19. Defiant operators now risk immediate arrest. KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki personally supervised the early Friday demolitions.
She worked alongside Dr. Sarah Zalwango, Director of Public Health and Environment, and spokesperson Daniel Nuweabine. Police provided protection throughout the process. Teams targeted chaotic street installations that block pathways and create safety issues.
Authorities stress that enforcement will continue vigorously. They promise strong action against anyone who ignores the directive.
Vendors Plead for Evening Trading Allowance
Some impacted sellers, notably single moms, appealed to Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda. They asked permission to sell in the evenings exclusively. Without financial alternatives, they fear turning to risky or illegal actions to feed their family.
These petitions emphasize the human cost of urban order attempts. Street vending sustains thousands of homes in Kampala. A blanket ban without feasible relocation choices creates suffering and resistance.
Vendors might seek designated markets or licensed trading zones. Registering with local authorities allows access to safer, legal locations. City leaders promote dialogue to balance cleanliness with livelihoods.
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Finally, KCCA sweeping operation on Kampala streets imposes urban discipline in Kampala. While it restores order, sustainable solutions must fulfill vendors’ requirements to avert deeper impoverishment. Ongoing enforcement mixed with equitable alternatives will shape the city’s destiny.
