By KT Reporter
Kampala streets are crowded with thousands of shoppers and street vendors ahead of Christmas, causing congestion across the Central Business District (CBD). Vendors occupy almost every corner from early morning, selling foodstuffs including potatoes, cassava, onions, tomatoes, and roasted chicken, as well as clothes, shoes, electronics, and household utensils.
Hundreds of boda boda riders ferry passengers and goods, further adding to the city’s chaos. Normally, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) strictly enforces trade order, allowing street vending only a week before Christmas, but this year, enforcement appears relaxed. Officers are mostly directing vendors to avoid blocking walkways rather than restricting them.
An enforcement officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the number of vendors overwhelms them by evening, forcing them to tolerate the situation. John Kabanda, chairman of the New Generation City Traders, said the congestion is worsened by the festive season and ongoing election campaigns.
He added that KCCA and the Minister for Kampala, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, who is contesting for Kampala Central, have avoided strict enforcement, allegedly to maintain street vendor support. Kabanda also noted that agreements to establish a Sunday market have not been implemented.
Street vendors operating daily affect retail traders who rent shops, as vendors sell similar goods at lower prices, undermining shop-based businesses. Kabanda said shop owners make 5,000 to 7,000 shillings profit per item, whereas street vendors earn only 1,000 to 2,000 shillings, yet reach more buyers.
Jimmy Bukenya, a vendor along the Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) corridor, said the election season allows them to earn, but business remains slow as many shoppers avoid the city amid campaign chaos. He noted that some vendors are arrested while others are allowed to operate, depending on KCCA’s enforcement discretion.
Juliet Muwonge, who sells women’s dresses opposite French Plaza, said congestion from the Nakivubo channel construction limits shoppers’ space, discouraging purchases despite high foot traffic. Kasozi Umaru, another vendor, said that although the streets are crowded, few people are buying due to the holiday rush and election activity. KCCA officials did not respond to repeated calls and WhatsApp messages by press time.
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