Nationwide Demolition of Roadside Kiosks Leaves Small Traders Struggling

Local governments throughout Uganda have launched a sweeping crackdown on informal roadside trading structures, including kiosks, booths, and shipping containers. These spots, vital for low-income sellers of groceries, phone repairs, mobile money, and snacks, are being torn down to promote urban cleanliness and order.

The operation stems from a March 10 directive by Ben Kumamanya, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government. It mandates clearing road reserves, removing campaign posters, cleaning markets, and regulating public transport in urban areas.

In Mukono Municipality, enforcement teams backed by police and army used graders to raze structures in Nasuti, Wantoni, and nearby streets, sparking tension among vendors. Harriet Nansubuga, a phone repair operator, described the impact as devastating.

Similar scenes unfolded in Soroti, Mbale, Lira, Gulu, Kabale, Kumi, Jinja, Arua, Mbarara, and other areas. Trader Gabriel Esiku in Soroti lamented sky-high rents pushing people to roadside setups, now destroyed, leaving many without income sources.

In Kumi, clashes erupted, with Mayor Richard Ochom decrying abuses against the urban poor. Gulu vendor Florence Amono highlighted how her container business fed her family, while chapatti seller James Okello noted the loss of prime foot traffic spots.

Some areas saw resistance, like traders in Mayuge chasing officials and Owino market leaders vowing to rebuild. Allegations of bribery surfaced in Wakiso and Makindye, where vendors claimed payments spared some structures.

Officials insist the moves create organized, tourist-friendly cities. Mbarara’s town clerk Sarah Ndawula said it benefits legal traders, while sensitization efforts continue amid low compliance.

Traders demand stakeholder talks for relocation, as cities like Fort Portal extend eviction timelines and Mbale eyes revenue gains from reorganization.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)