Government Evicts Car Bonds from Road Reserves in Kampala

The Ministry of Works and Transport has initiated an operation to remove car bond businesses and other entities operating within designated road reserves. The enforcement began this week along the Nakawa-Ntinda road and other stretches in Kampala, with bulldozers seen clearing structures and vehicles.

This action is in line with a directive issued by State Minister for Works and Transport, Mr. Musa Ecweru, who warned car dealers last year to vacate road reserves or face eviction. The ministry states that a grace period was provided, but some businesses failed to comply, necessitating the current enforcement.

Car bond owners have expressed frustration, accusing the ministry of selective enforcement and of failing to provide alternative relocation sites. “We have no problem with leaving if the law were applied to all of us. You can’t evict us while other people operating in the same areas are left to operate freely just because they are connected to the state,” said Mr. Siraj Ssekamate from Seeka Motors.

Mr. Mulilu Wakatiya, an operator of 19 years, highlighted the lack of a resettlement plan, stating, “When you just evict us without any resettlement plan, it’s like you are sending us to die.”

However, the Ministry’s Senior Communications Officer, Mr. Allan Ssempebwa, asserted that the operation is not selective and is aimed at clearing all encroachments to ensure road safety and functionality. He mentioned that the directive will be rolled out nationwide. The Road Act, 2019, defines road reserves as land corridors for various purposes, including future expansion and utilities, and allows authorities to remove developments without compensation.

This is not the first attempt by the government to clear these areas; a similar ultimatum was issued in June 2025.