news 16 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Mbarara City Authorities Launch 20-Day Eviction of Street Vendors
Law enforcement in Mbarara City began evicting roadside traders, including mobile money kiosks, on Monday to enforce the use of designated markets. The operation, led by South Town Clerk Sarah Nandawula, will run for 20 days with legal action against repeat offenders. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/mbarara-city-street-vendors-evicted-5392300
Mbarara City officials kicked off a major cleanup on Monday, targeting street vendors along key roads like Mbaguta Street. Security teams dismantled makeshift stalls and kiosks, loading them onto trucks for storage at council facilities.
South Town Clerk Sarah Nandawula, overseeing the drive, stated it aims to direct all traders to approved markets and trading zones. ‘This benefits legal traders most. We’ll enforce it strictly,’ she emphasized, warning of court summons for those who return to the streets.
The 20-day initiative has mixed reactions. Vendor Viola Kembabazi supported it, complaining that roadside operators evade taxes and licenses, leaving formal traders exposed to harsh weather. ‘They’ve taken our shade; now sun and rain hit us,’ she said.
Street vendor Daniel Agaba, however, called for more markets to accommodate everyone. ‘Mbarara isn’t Kampala yet—where are these markets?’ he questioned, noting past failed efforts.
Some traders resisted, resulting in arrests. Similar crackdowns have occurred in Kampala, Mbale, Fort Portal, Soroti, and Gulu.
Mbarara gained city status in July 2020.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)