Business 14 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Roadside Vendors on Kampala-Gulu Highway Protest Eviction Amid Livelihood Fears
Vendors along the Kampala-Gulu highway in Luweero and Nakasongola districts face eviction under a government trade order, sparking protests from traders who fear losing their main customers—highway travelers. Over 2,000 sellers of roasted foods, fruits, and drinks plead for alternatives as kiosks are demolished. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/traders-protest-travellers-to-starve-as-kampala-gulu-highway-roadside-vendors-face-eviction-5422994
Roadside vendors famous for serving travelers with roasted cassava, gonja, bogoya, chicken, pineapples, and drinks on the Kampala-Gulu highway are up in arms against an impending eviction. Local authorities in Luweero and Nakasongola districts are enforcing a March 26, 2026, directive from the Ministry of Local Government to clear road reserves of informal trading.
On April 13, 2026, officials in Luweero Town Council raided the Balikyewunya market, destroying over 300 kiosks and an unapproved taxi park. Vendors like Agnes Namande, a mother of seven who has sold there for 25 years, argued that relocation would cut them off from their core clients—bus and vehicle passengers.
Allen Nansamba, another seller since 2003, echoed the sentiment, stressing the highway-specific customer base. Vendors’ leader Daniel Kakeeto called for dialogue, noting that many operate just outside reserves and that travelers rely on these stops.
Similar resistance brews at Balikyejusa, Bombo Mile 20, and Kafu markets, affecting around 900, 450, and 260 vendors respectively. Traders highlighted paying taxes and recent government funding in December 2025, questioning the sudden move. Luweero LC5 chair Erasto Kibirango criticized the lack of sensitization and potential family hardships.
Town clerk Lydia Nabasa defended the action as compliance with guidelines, while RDC Mariam Sseguya promised stakeholder engagement for solutions. The evictions align with broader national efforts to shift traders to gazetted markets.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)