MUKONO — Authorities in Mukono have intensified preparations to evict street vendors operating in ungazetted areas, setting April 1, 2026 as the deadline for full enforcement in line with a nationwide directive to restore urban order.
The exercise follows guidance from the Ministry of Local Government requiring all municipalities to enforce the Trade (Licensing) Act and eliminate illegal trading from streets, pavements, and other public spaces.
📍 Relocation Efforts Face Constraints
Mukono Municipal Council has identified a number of proposed relocation sites for affected vendors across Mukono Central and Goma divisions. However, many of these locations depend on agreements with private landowners, which are still pending.
Among the proposed sites:
- Vendors from Kikooza, Kitega, Ngandu, and Katosi roadside may be relocated to St. Noah Mawagali open space and other privately owned land subject to agreements
- Traders from Bugerere Road, Nabuuti, and Mukono Taxi Park are expected to move to Kame Valley, where space is already available
- Seeta roadside and market vendors are being directed to Seeta Farmers Market land
- Bukerere and Sonde vendors may relocate to Nakagere market land and Goma Farmers’ Market
Despite these plans, some areas still lack designated relocation spaces, raising concern about the municipality’s capacity to accommodate all affected traders.
Authorities have called on interested landlords to partner with the municipality through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) under a public-private partnership arrangement.
⚙️ Drive to Restore Order
Municipal officials say the operation is aimed at:
- Improving sanitation and waste management
- Decongesting the central business district (CBD)
- Restoring order in taxi parks and boda boda stages
- Enforcing street parking regulations
- Removing illegal kiosks, containers, and roadside structures
- Enhancing urban beautification and infrastructure compliance
Plans are also underway to operationalize a Municipal Court to strengthen enforcement.
🚧 Ground Activities Already Ongoing
Preparatory activities have intensified in recent weeks, including:
- Stakeholder engagement meetings with affected communities
- Coordination with private waste management companies
- Public sensitization campaigns and issuance of eviction notices
- Marking and pegging of illegal kiosks and structures
- Clean-up operations in targeted areas
- Inspections to ensure buildings meet sanitation and infrastructure standards
- Fast-tracking implementation of street parking systems
Enforcement teams have been seen moving across the municipality marking structures for removal, signaling imminent action.
⚠️ Final Notice to Traders
Municipal authorities have issued a final warning to all non-compliant traders to vacate illegal spaces before the deadline.
Those affected include:
- Vendors without valid trading licenses
- Operators in undesignated areas
- Businesses housed in unapproved or temporary structures
Failure to comply will result in forceful eviction and demolition.
Uncertain Transition
While officials maintain the exercise is necessary to align with national policy and improve urban management, concerns remain over:
- Limited relocation capacity
- Dependence on private land agreements
- The potential economic impact on informal traders
As the deadline approaches, Mukono now stands at the center of a delicate balance between enforcing order and safeguarding livelihoods.
