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Cinderella Atenyo-Moroto
Moroto Municipality Mayor Ismail Mohammed, has called for immediate suspension of the ongoing operation againstillegal structures, eviction of street vendors, arguing that it is not an executive order from the president but a guidance from the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government. Ismail added this could be done in a phased manner as agreed in their previous meeting such that it gives time to business operators especially those with cargo containers to leave peacefully.
While speaking with anger, he called upon the people to come together and request the authorities to give them more time as they relocate to the different gazzetted business areas. The mayor urged that this forceful exercise risks undermining government’s poverty alleviation initiatives like the Parish Development Model, which most traders had got and invested.
Mr. Ismael stated that the trade order directive is not bad but it has to be implemented in a phased manner without affecting people’s livelihoods. He called upon the authorities to act humanely and with utmost sympathy to the struggling traders so that the municipality realizes order but minimum enforcement that may cause damage.
Simon Nangiro,a resident in Moroto expressed that Karamoja is a different case and people are still struggling to come up in a hard way compared to other regions whereby there’s need for more time to start adhering to the trade order.
Fred Obalim, a business operator and many others have complied positively and asked for time to vacate peacefully while accepting the development. However, Richard Eyaru, the Moroto municipal council Town clerk commended the traders for the compliance with the trade order as he confirmed 80% had already complied positively. He insists that the Municipality has lost a lot in terms of revenue collection to illegal developments.
On Monday, March 23, Moroto Municipal authorities launched an operation to demolish illegal structures, kiosks, and relocating street vendors that had been operating along the roads. The operation, followed public notice dated 6th March.2026, giving vendors two weeks ultimatum to remove illegal structures, business kiosks and relocate to the main market and failure to comply with it shall face forceful demolition starting 23rd March 2026.
According to the letter, the directive is consistent with the second schedule part 3(1.2 and 3) of the local government ACT, CAP 138 Laws of Uganda. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumamanya, has directed local authorities nationwide to enforce licensing laws and remove illegal trading from public spaces, as urban centres continue to face rising unregulated commerce.
In a circular dated March 10, 2026, addressed to all Chief Administrative Officers, City Town Clerks, and Municipal Town Clerks, Kumamanya outlined a nationwide plan to reclaim urban spaces and restore “trade order.” The directive comes amid a surge in unlicensed street vending, informal settlements, and unplanned structures that have increasingly overwhelmed city streets.
Kumamanya emphasized that all commercial activity must comply with the Trade (Licensing) Act, Cap 101, requiring traders to hold valid licenses and operate strictly from designated areas. He noted that migration to urban areas in search of employment, coupled with limited formal capital, has contributed to a rise in illegal street vending, hawking, and informal settlements. Such “disorganized trading” adversely affects formal traders operating from legitimate shops and markets.
The ministry issued a 10-point action guide for local leaders, including the removal of campaign posters and clearing streets, pavements, walkways, and verandahs of traders who obstruct mobility. Measures also stress daily market cleanliness, strengthened law enforcement, improved public transport planning, and community education about licensing regulations.
Reports across the country indicates a public rage and plea to the authorities for an extended period so that they can find alternative locations without going out of business.
