Gov’t Assures Displaced Traders of New Workspaces Amid Trade Order Enforcement

On Apr 24, 2026

By Kyeyune Ali

The Government has assured traders affected by the ongoing Trade Order enforcement that efforts are underway to establish adequate alternative trading spaces to enable them resume business operations.

This assurance was given by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, during a consultative meeting held at the ministry’s headquarters on Friday. The meeting brought together government officials and traders’ representatives led by Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA) president, John Kabanda, to address concerns arising from the implementation of the Trade Order.

Kumumanya emphasized that the government remains committed to refining the implementation process to ensure fairness while achieving the policy’s objectives. He noted that the Trade Order is intended to restore order in urban centres, improve sanitation, ease traffic congestion, and ensure that business activities are conducted in gazetted and approved areas.

“The issue is not the Trade Order policy itself, but how it is being implemented,” Kumumanya said.

He strongly condemned reports of inhumane enforcement practices in some areas, including forceful evictions, confiscation of goods, and demolition of business structures without proper notice. He stressed that such actions undermine the purpose of the initiative and directed that enforcement must be conducted in a fair and humane manner.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) spokesperson, David Nuwabine, who represented the Executive Director, told the meeting that licensed traders in Kampala have increased significantly—from 12,536 to over 20,000—since the exercise began in February 2026. He said this reflects the policy’s positive impact in formalizing businesses and improving urban management.

Kumumanya further revealed that another meeting will be held in two weeks to update stakeholders on progress and agreed positions following wider consultations. He also announced plans for nationwide sensitization campaigns and community barazas to enhance public understanding of the policy.

The meeting, held on April 24, 2026, was attended by several key officials, including Commissioner for Urban Administration Charles Magumba, Ministry of Trade representative Jones Makula Mukasa, and Presidential Advisor on Markets Winnie Atwine, among others.