Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has rolled out a two-week citywide sensitization campaign aimed at restoring order, safety and dignity in business operations, especially within the Central Business District. The move is designed to ease congestion while protecting livelihoods and improving how the city functions for everyone.
The exercise was announced on February 5, 2026, by the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, during a media briefing at the Media Centre. She also confirmed the reinstatement of Sunday markets, offering temporary trading spaces for vendors who are not yet absorbed into gazetted markets.
Kabanda said the focus of KCCA is not to punish traders but to guide them into cleaner, safer and better organized trading areas that support long-term business growth. She explained that the two-week period allows room for dialogue, understanding and voluntary compliance as authorities and traders work together to build a more inclusive city.
Throughout the sensitization period, KCCA teams, together with stakeholder leaders, will engage traders, transport operators and other city users. The aim is to encourage voluntary relocation to approved trading areas and compliance with existing laws before any enforcement begins.
KCCA emphasized that enforcement actions will only start after the sensitization window closes and will be carried out in a lawful, humane and coordinated manner, with the involvement of security agencies. Officials stressed that trading remains a vital source of income for many residents, but order is necessary for the capital to remain accessible and safe.
The authority noted that following the Christmas festive season and recent national elections, there has been a sharp increase in trading activities in unauthorized areas such as road reserves, streets and pedestrian walkways. This has led to traffic disruptions, sanitation problems, blocked walkways and growing safety concerns.
To address the situation, KCCA convened a high-level coordination meeting bringing together government officials, security agencies, trader representatives, taxi leaders and boda boda operators. All parties agreed on the need for collective action to restore order in the city and ensure that all commercial activities operate from designated spaces.
KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi revealed that free trading spaces are currently available in gazetted markets including Usafi, Busega and Wandegeya. He added that market infrastructure is being expanded, with new developments planned for Kamwokya, Ggaba and Usafi, while Kintitale Market is nearing completion, signaling KCCA’s commitment to sustainable and organized urban trade.
