Gov’t Offers 2,300 Free Market Stalls to Relocate Street Vendors

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to all individuals engaged in unauthorised trading along city roads, walkways, and non-gazetted areas.

The directive, announced Friday, October 24, 2025, mandates vendors to vacate their current locations and relocate to designated market spaces by the end of the notice period.

The move is part of KCCA’s intensified efforts to restore order, enhance public safety, and create a clean, organised, and liveable city environment.

Enforcement Targets CBD

Full enforcement of the trade order is scheduled to commence on Friday, October 31, 2025, starting with a focused operation in the Central Business District (CBD). Key areas targeted for the initial cleanup include busy commercial arteries such as Ben Kiwanuka Street, Luwuum Street, Namirembe Road, Nakivubo Road, Allen Road, and Kikuubo Lane.

In a separate but immediate safety measure, KCCA has also issued a directive demanding the immediate vacation of anyone preparing or selling food using charcoal stoves (sigiri) or other fire-generating equipment in taxi parks and along streets. The Authority warned that these activities pose a severe risk of serious fire hazards that endanger lives and property.

2,320 Free Stalls Offered

To support the transition, the Government of Uganda has made available over 2,000 free workspaces in various KCCA-owned markets. According to the notice detailing the available spaces, a total of 2,320 free market stalls are ready for allocation.

The available spaces are distributed across seven markets, with the largest contingents being: Usafi Market: 1,000 spaces; Busega Market: 500 spaces; City Abattoir: 250 spaces; and Kamwokya Market: 250 spaces.

Vendors are strongly encouraged to apply for these free stalls immediately through the KCCA Market Allocation Committees and Market Administrators. Applicants are only required to provide an LC1 letter and a copy of their National ID.

KCCA has appealed to all stakeholders to fully cooperate with the directive, emphasising that the timely relocation is intended to provide sufficient time for all affected vendors to transit to regular, gazetted workplaces.