Nebbi Traders Evicted in Trade Order Crackdown Sparking Outrage

Authorities in Nebbi Municipality carried out a major eviction of street traders on Thursday, targeting makeshift structures and kiosks along busy roads. The operation, supported by police, aligns with directives from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government to regulate trading under the Trade (Licensing) Act Cap 101.

The clearance focused on Uringi, Pithua, Pakwach, Arua roads, and the Market Square in Thatha, Abindu, and Central Divisions. Officials cited the need to make way for developments like streetlights, walkways, and drainage along the 33km Alwi-Nebbi road, under construction by China Railway 18 Bureau Group. Senior Law Enforcement Officer Adris Cukaru highlighted risks from illegal sales of petrol and flammable goods.

Traders had been given a grace period to vacate voluntarily but many ignored the warnings. Food vendor Amina Akumu, evicted from Pakwach Road, shared her struggles with high housing costs and daily loan repayments, noting that over 70% of local vendors depend on quick loans.

Mayor Geoffrey Ngiriker confirmed the council followed orders but could not designate relocation spots, simply requiring kiosks to leave town areas. Affected traders like Charles Okethwengu criticized the move as unplanned, comparing its impact to the Covid-19 crisis due to threats to school fees, loans, and family needs, fearing a rise in crime from joblessness.

This action mirrors similar evictions in other Ugandan cities since last month, aimed at curbing illegal street vending amid urban influxes.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)