Business 27 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Street Vendors in Uganda Face Ruin After Mass Evictions Enforce Trade Order
Evictions of informal street traders across Ugandan cities have left bustling markets silent, with vendors losing daily incomes of up to Shs60,000 and struggling to pay loans, school fees, and rent. While authorities cite urban planning needs, traders decry rushed enforcement, inadequate relocation spaces, and seek compensation amid a recent government suspension of the order. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/silenced-markets-street-traders-count-losses-after-city-evictions-5437802
Once-vibrant street markets in Uganda’s cities and towns have fallen quiet following widespread evictions of informal traders. Broken stalls litter the areas, symbolizing the end of livelihoods for many who relied on daily sales.
Ms. Milly Oyenya from Arua City, who sold produce along the Arua-Nebbi road, lost her kiosk on April 9. She used to earn Shs30,000 to 60,000 daily but now stores goods at home, unable to afford relocation. ‘It’s like they cut a vein in my body,’ she lamented, highlighting struggles with family expenses.
Similar hardships plague traders elsewhere. In Jinja, Ms. Susan Nagobi packed her soft drinks and food stock home after eviction, leaving regular customers without options. Salon operator Ms. Maureen Acen in Nebbi complained of unsuitable relocation sites lacking space and electricity, forcing many out of business.
Evictions have triggered rent arrears, skipped meals, and loan defaults. Some, like Mr. Ismail Mpagi in Jinja, have turned to begging. Ms. Justine Nairuba in Namutumba saw her monthly earnings drop from Shs1 million to just Shs30,000 in three weeks at a cramped taxi park site.
Authorities defend the moves for decongesting cities and improving sanitation, promising designated markets. In Mbarara, spaces were allocated in places like Central Market, while Kaliro secured mayor’s gardens for resettlement. However, high rents and poor locations deter many.
In Fort Portal and other areas, some vendors sneak back at night, risking arrests. Kisoro delayed enforcement due to space shortages. Emotional tolls include family strains, as shared by Ms. Salima Lekuru in Arua.
Hope emerged when State Minister David Bahati suspended the trade order in Parliament, calling for consultations by late June. Traders demand compensation for losses and better planning.
This article is based on reporting from the Daily Monitor: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/silenced-markets-street-traders-count-losses-after-city-evictions-5437802.