Government Confirms Continued Enforcement of Trade Order

The government has clarified that enforcement of the trade order will continue across the country, following earlier reports suggesting a possible suspension.

Speaking at the Uganda Media Centre, Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi said Cabinet resolved that the directive should proceed as planned, with a few adjustments to improve its implementation.

The trade order, issued on March 10, 2026, requires local governments to restore order in urban areas by relocating traders operating on streets, pavements, verandas, and other undesignated spaces into gazetted markets.

The guidelines also mandate the removal of campaign posters, enforcement of proper food handling standards, and a ban on the sale and preparation of food along drainage channels and sewer lines.

Local authorities are further required to maintain cleanliness in markets, improve waste management systems, enhance street lighting, and ensure all businesses are licensed in accordance with the Trade Licensing Act.

Additionally, they must ensure that all developments comply with the Building Control Act and the Physical Planning Act to promote orderly urban growth, as well as streamline public transport operations.

To strengthen enforcement, the ministry plans to intensify community sensitisation, establish an inter-ministerial task force, and identify alternative trading spaces for vendors not yet accommodated in formal markets.

Local governments have also been encouraged to introduce structured weekly market days in accessible locations.

Magyezi urged the public to cooperate with authorities, emphasizing that traders should operate only in designated areas as the government works to create cleaner, safer, and more organized towns.