Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has renewed discussions with city traders as it seeks to improve the organisation of businesses, increase access to formal trading spaces and address challenges linked to street vending, waste management and public safety.
The latest engagement brought together KCCA officials and leaders of several major trader associations at Kitante Primary School on Tuesday. The meeting followed concerns raised during a previous engagement involving the State House Investors Protection Unit.Among those represented were 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 is ready to continue working with the business community to create an orderly trading environment where businesses can operate legally without interfering with public infrastructure.She disclosed that KCCA currently has more than 550 vacant spaces in public markets, including Wandegeya, Usafi and Luzira. Buzeki encouraged traders operating from streets and other unauthorised locations to consider taking up the available spaces, while those requiring additional opportunities can engage KCCA.
The meeting also provided room for traders to recognise infrastructure improvements across the city. NETA Chairperson Thadeus Musoke Nagenda commended KCCA for improvements in roads, public health and drainage, particularly along Ben Kiwanuka Road, where he said flooding had reduced.Traders also proposed additional measures to expand business opportunities.
UNATA Chairperson Godfrey Katongole asked KCCA to consider Sunday markets, while Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi said the Authority was continuing with drainage works and reminded businesses that waste management remains a shared responsibility.KCCA officials further urged traders to keep merchandise away from doorways, staircases and walkways, obtain the required trading licences and operate from designated areas. The engagement is part of the Authority’s continued efforts to work with the business community as Kampala expands trading infrastructure while seeking greater order, cleanliness and safety across the city.
