By KT Reporter
The Arua City Council leadership has halted the collection of market dues from vendors, particularly women vending on the streets, for a period of four months. The decision follows a directive issued by the Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Balaam Barugahare.
Balaam made the directive while speaking at the National Youth Wake-Up Campaign in Arua City, where he urged city leaders to give relief to small-scale vendors struggling with limited capital. He noted that many vendors had complained of being harassed by enforcement officers demanding daily dues.
Arua City Clerk, David Kyansanku, confirmed the suspension, announcing that the council has stopped the collection of market dues effective October 12th, 2025, until January 31st, 2026. He advised vendors to operate only in open spaces where they do not obstruct road users and to maintain proper hygiene while conducting business.
Daily, the city council collects between UGX 500 and UGX 2,000 in market dues from street vendors selling items such as groundnuts, eggs, and other food products. The council employs enforcement officers to collect these dues in both Central and Ayivu Divisions.
Arua City Mayor, Wadri Sam Nyakua, welcomed the minister’s directive, saying the suspension will be implemented to give vendors space to strengthen and improve their businesses during the four months.
Balaam’s directive was in response to a concern raised by Wako Salim, the LC I Chairperson of Arua Hill Cell, who appealed for leniency towards women vending on the streets.
He said these women often face harassment while paying daily dues and requested that they be allowed to operate freely during the grace period, while still following the guidance of the City Clerk.
In the last financial year, Arua City Council collected a total of UGX 6.7 billion in local revenue, part of which came from market dues paid by street vendors.
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