news 6 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
KCCA Tackles Street Begging Exploiting Sick Individuals and Children
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) is intensifying crackdowns on street begging, particularly targeting the exploitation of sick people and children, citing public health risks and human dignity concerns. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/trade-order-kcca-cracks-down-on-street-begging-involving-sick-people-children-5449916
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has launched a robust campaign against street begging, with a specific focus on the concerning trend of exploiting sick individuals and children for financial gain.
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki highlighted the authority’s alarm over sick patients being removed from hospitals and placed on the streets to solicit money. “We are seeing people turned into what can only be described as medical beggars,” Ms. Buzeki stated at the Uganda Media Centre, emphasizing the exposure of vulnerable individuals to harsh conditions.
Ms. Buzeki warned that this practice not only endangers the health of begging individuals but also hinders public health and social protection efforts. KCCA is actively removing affected persons from the streets and providing them with necessary medical care and support. Those found responsible for exploiting children and the sick face arrest and prosecution.
The public is urged to refrain from giving money directly to street beggars, especially children, as this practice fuels exploitation and disrupts their education. Ms. Buzeki advised channeling support through recognized rehabilitation centers, such as the Masulita Rehabilitation Centre, which offer comprehensive care including shelter, healthcare, and education.
This operation is part of a broader city-wide enforcement campaign initiated on February 19, 2026, aimed at restoring order in trade and public spaces under the Kampala Capital City Authority Act. The campaign has targeted illegal vending and obstructions on major city roads and trading centers, leading to improved accessibility and functionality.
KCCA is also undertaking infrastructure improvements like road marking, drainage desilting, and street light restoration to enhance urban mobility and safety. “The results of orderly trade are visible. We encourage the public and business community to embrace these efforts so that we can formalise businesses and build a vibrant, attractive and sustainable city,” Ms. Buzeki remarked, calling for collective action to protect vulnerable groups and maintain Kampala as an organized and inclusive city.