Vendors and boda boda riders in Luwero Town have defied a directive ordering them to vacate ungazetted areas ahead of the enforcement of a new trade order.
Luwero Town Clerk, Lydia Nabaasa, issued a notice on March 26, announcing what she described as a reorganisation and town-wide cleaning exercise.
Nabaasa explained that the initiative is part of a broader effort by the town council to improve sanitation, enforce physical planning regulations, strengthen development control, safeguard public health, and maintain law and order.
She noted that the trade order and cleaning exercise are anchored in existing legal frameworks, including the Local Government Act Cap 243, the Trade (Licensing) Act Cap 101, the Public Health Act Cap 281, and the Luwero Town Council bylaws of 2000.
In the notice, Nabaasa directed that all kiosks and illegal structures erected in building corridors be removed immediately.
Shop owners were also instructed to clear extensions and merchandise displays from walkways, while political leaders were ordered to take down campaign posters following the conclusion of elections.
Additionally, taxi operators, boda boda riders, and cargo transporters were ordered to cease operations in ungazetted parks, which authorities say contribute to traffic congestion and disrupt business activities.
Food vendors dealing in items such as roasted chicken and chips were restricted to operating between 5:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m.
They were further instructed to remove charcoal stoves from public spaces and ensure daily cleaning of their work areas.
The notice gave vendors, shop operators, taxi drivers, and boda boda riders a 14-day ultimatum to vacate ungazetted areas or face eviction at their own cost. An estimated 1,000 people are currently operating in ungazetted locations within the Luwero Town Council.
These include vendors dealing in agricultural produce, foodstuffs, and general merchandise. Authorities have advised them to relocate to designated market stalls or rent shop spaces.
However, none of the affected individuals has complied with the directive. Many have refused to vacate or dismantle their structures, arguing that the trade order is unfair and threatens their livelihoods.
Abubaker Kato, a resident of Kavule Zone, said he had set up eight kiosks in front of his home, which are rented out to about 20 youths selling beverages to travellers. He expressed frustration, noting that the businesses pay taxes and questioning why they are now being forced to close.
Kato warned that evicting the kiosks would render the youths jobless and could push them into criminal activities.
Martha Nabbanja, who sells porridge to boda boda riders at a stage, said she maintains cleanliness at her workplace and sees no justification for being evicted.
Other vendors argued that operating along the streets allows them to reach travellers who rarely visit formal markets, where they are being directed to relocate.
The vendors have vowed to resist the evictions, insisting they have no viable alternatives for survival. Some also cited a lack of financial capacity to rent shop spaces.
Chris Buwembo, the LCIII Chairperson of Luwero Town Council, said the Town Clerk is implementing a directive from the Ministry of Local Government, distancing local leadership from the decision.
However, Buwembo expressed sympathy for the vendors, describing the trade order as unfair and calling for wider consultations before its enforcement.
Ben Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, had earlier issued a circular dated March 10, 2026, directing all Chief Administrative Officers, City Town Clerks, and Municipal Town Clerks to enforce licensing laws and eliminate illegal trading in public spaces.
Similar enforcement operations have already been carried out in several towns, including Mukono, Mbale, Iganga, Mbarara, Fort Portal, and Kampala.
At the same time, the Ministry of Works and Transport issued a directive ordering all vendors operating along the Kampala–Gulu highway reserve to vacate immediately or face eviction. Despite the notice, none of the vendors along the highway has vacated the area, even two weeks after the directive was issued. URN