The Government of Uganda has officially cleared the resumption of Trade Order enforcement operations following a Cabinet meeting held at State House Entebbe on Monday.
The decision marks the end of a temporary halt that was instituted to allow for consultations with various stakeholders who had petitioned the government for more time to comply with urban trade regulations.
Minister Magyezi Confirms Cabinet Resolution
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, the Minister for Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, confirmed that the implementation would proceed as originally scheduled.
“Cabinet sitting yesterday (Monday) agreed and resolved that the implementation of the trade order should continue as earlier planned,” Magyezi stated.
Why Was the Trade Order Halted?
The enforcement operations—which aim to organize urban trade, manage street vending, and regulate noise levels—were briefly suspended after several groups sought government intervention. These included:
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Traders’ Associations: Seeking additional time to relocate from unauthorized areas to designated markets.
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Pentecostal and Born-Again Churches: Petitioning for more time to prepare for new regulations regarding their operations within urban centers.
Despite these petitions, Cabinet concluded that the “Trade Order” is essential for national development and urban organization, and further delays would hinder progress.
What the Resumption Means for Stakeholders
The resumption of the Trade Order enforcement is expected to focus on several key pillars of urban management:
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Market Relocation: Ensuring that vendors move from streets and walkways into gazetted market spaces.
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Noise Pollution Control: Regulating high-decibel activities in residential and commercial zones.
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Infrastructure Protection: Preventing the unauthorized use of road reserves and public spaces for trade.
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Licensing Compliance: Ensuring all businesses operating within urban authorities are properly registered and licensed.
Implementation Strategy
Minister Magyezi emphasized that while enforcement will be firm, it is intended to be an organized process. Local government authorities and security agencies have been tasked with overseeing the operations to ensure they are carried out within the law.
