The government is finalising plans to relocate more than 2,000 vendors operating at Kireka Market along the railway line as part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament.Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said the government was aware of the traders’ worries and was working to secure an alternative location where they can continue their businesses after leaving the railway reserve.Nabbanja made the remarks while engaging with residents and vendors at Kyaliwajjala near UMEA Mosque during the second National Cleaning Day exercise.
She assured the vendors that President Yoweri Museveni was aware of their challenges and promised to continue presenting their concerns to him.“The president knows about your issue, and efforts are being made to find another place for you. I will continue reminding him and taking your concerns to him,” Nabbanja said.The Prime Minister, however, noted that traders operating within 10 metres of the railway line would have to vacate the area to allow Uganda Railways Corporation (URC) to carry out planned railway improvements.According to officials who attended the meeting, the eviction process was expected to begin the next day.Nabbanja explained that the railway upgrade would support transport operations during Afcon 2027 by providing an alternative means of movement for fans and visitors heading to Namboole National Stadium.She said discussions with URC Managing Director Benon Kajuna had convinced her that the railway would be essential in reducing congestion on roads around the stadium during the tournament.The affected vendors said they were concerned about the relocation because their businesses provide their main source of income and help them take care of their families.They also raised concerns about the poor conditions at the market, especially the lack of proper drainage, which they said causes frequent flooding during heavy rains.The traders asked the Ministry of Works and Transport to first provide them with a new trading space before they are removed from the railway reserve.Wakiso Woman MP Betty Ethel Naluyima welcomed the government’s commitment to relocate the vendors and encouraged them to work with authorities during the process.
She expressed hope that Nabbanja would provide a lasting solution to the matter.Wakiso District Chairman Ian Kyeyune said he had earlier asked President Museveni to give the traders more time during previous eviction exercises in the area.He also raised concerns over delays in fulfilling the government’s resettlement promises.During the cleaning exercise, Nabbanja donated Shs20 million to Kireka market vendors and gave Shs500,000 each to some women who participated in keeping their communities clean.She also donated a tuk-tuk garbage collection vehicle to Namugongo Division in Kira Municipality.Residents of Kyaliwajjala also appealed for government support in constructing a farmers’ market, a seed secondary school, and upgrading Lukadde Road to improve transport in the area.
