Uganda Government Upholds Trade Order for Urban Orderliness

The Ministry of Local Government has affirmed that a nationwide trade order, initially issued on March 10, 2026, will be rigorously enforced. This clarification comes after earlier speculation that the order might be suspended.

According to Minister Raphael Magyezi, Cabinet has endorsed the continuation of the directive, with provisions for adjustments to enhance its effectiveness. The core objective of the order is to bring order to urban centers by relocating street vendors, those on pavements, and verandas into gazetted market spaces.

Beyond just market operations, the guidelines extend to broader urban management. They include the removal of political campaign posters, the enforcement of strict food handling regulations, and a prohibition on food sales and preparation near drainage channels and sewer lines. Local governments are tasked with ensuring market cleanliness, improving waste disposal, and enhancing street lighting.

Furthermore, the order emphasizes compliance with licensing laws, with all businesses required to be properly licensed. Developments must adhere to the Building Control Act and the Physical Planning Act to foster planned urban growth, and public transport operations are also to be streamlined.

To bolster enforcement, the ministry intends to ramp up public awareness campaigns, establish an inter-ministerial task force, and identify additional trading locations for vendors awaiting formal market spaces. Local authorities are also encouraged to implement organized weekly market days in easily accessible areas.

Minister Magyezi appealed to the public for cooperation, stressing that traders must operate within designated zones. The government’s aim is to cultivate cleaner, safer, and more systematically organized towns across Uganda.

Source: https://www.howwe.ug/news/national/42884/government-confirms-continued-enforcement-of-trade-order