Government Halts Trade Order Enforcement Amidst Public Outcry

The Ministry of Trade has announced a temporary halt to the enforcement of a sweeping trade order, a move that comes after widespread criticism and appeals from lawmakers. The crackdown, initiated by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and other local governments in February, aimed to clear roadside vendors and unregulated kiosks to bring order to urban centers.

However, the evictions triggered a strong public outcry, with many individuals reliant on these informal businesses struggling to cope. Members of Parliament echoed these concerns, urging the government to reconsider its approach.

Minister of State for Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Hon. David Bahati, confirmed the suspension during a parliamentary session on Friday, April 24, 2026. He stated that the government is actively consulting with various stakeholders, including religious leaders and traders, to devise a more refined strategy.

“We shall have a final meeting at the end of June so that at the beginning of July we have a refined way of operating,” Bahati explained. He also offered an apology to religious leaders, acknowledging that some evictions were conducted with insensitive remarks.

Bahati clarified that the suspension applies to areas where enforcement had not yet reached. “We are suspending where we had not reached but where we have covered, it will remain,” he noted, emphasizing that lessons are being learned to improve future operations.

Legislators, including Hon. Solomon Silwanyi, highlighted the disruption to livelihoods and called for official communication to local town councils regarding the suspended evictions. Speaker Anita Among advised a progressive and humane implementation, suggesting relocation strategies for affected vendors.

Questions were also raised about plans to assist those whose businesses have already been dismantled, with calls for a more compassionate approach to urban planning.

Source: Howwe Entertainment