KCCA Moves to Restore Trade Order as City Traders Push for More Business Space

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has intensified talks with city traders as it seeks to address concerns surrounding trading spaces, street vending, waste management, public safety and the general order of businesses in Kampala.

The discussions were held at Kitante Primary School during a follow-up engagement between KCCA and leaders of major trader associations. The meeting followed concerns raised during an earlier stakeholder engagement organised by the State House Investors Protection Unit.Representatives from several trader groups attended the meeting, including the National Entrepreneurs and Traders Association Uganda (NETA), Federation of Uganda Traders Associations (FUTA), Uganda National Traders Alliance (UNATA), Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), Kampala Arcaders Traders Association (KATA), United Arcades Traders and Entrepreneurs Association (UATEA) and Kampala Arcaders Advocacy Forum (KAAFO).KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki said the Authority wants traders to operate from lawful, safe and organised spaces while ensuring that roads, walkways and other public infrastructure remain accessible. She encouraged vendors operating on streets and other unauthorised areas to consider available spaces in public markets.

Buzeki revealed that more than 550 spaces are currently available in KCCA markets, including Wandegeya, Usafi and Luzira. She urged traders to utilise the available facilities and said those who require more space can engage the Authority as plans to develop and improve markets continue.Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo called on traders to remain united, follow the law and maintain dialogue with KCCA and other authorities when addressing challenges affecting their businesses. NETA Chairperson Thadeus Musoke Nagenda also praised improvements in road infrastructure, public health and drainage, particularly along Ben Kiwanuka Road.The traders also presented proposals for expanding business opportunities. UNATA Chairperson Godfrey Katongole asked KCCA to consider introducing Sunday markets to create additional opportunities for vendors, especially those struggling to access formal trading spaces.

Meanwhile, KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi said drainage improvements were continuing across the city but reminded traders that keeping Kampala clean is a shared responsibility.KCCA officials further cautioned traders against blocking doorways, stairways and walkways with merchandise, warning that such practices can create safety risks and obstruct movement. The Authority urged businesses to obtain the necessary trading licences, operate in designated areas and properly manage the waste they generate as KCCA continues working with traders to create a cleaner, safer and more organised city.