A former Lord Mayor aspirant has broken ranks with city politicians to support the government directive to remove street vendors from Kampala.
Mohammad Kasirye Ssendagire backs the crackdown but warns that forced evictions without public education will fail.
Ssendagire, while talking to a Salt Media journalist on one on one interview, said that clearing the streets is necessary, but enforcement alone is not enough.
He called for a major sensitisation campaign so that vendors understand the law and where to relocate.
His stance puts him at odds with Lord Mayor-elect Ronald Balimwezo, who has vowed to challenge the directive.
But Ssendagire also echoed vendor concerns. He questioned why vendors are being forced into markets where stalls are illegally sold for millions and utility fees are still being charged—despite a presidential order abolishing them.
The outgoing Deputy Lord Mayor, Doreen Nyanjura, recently exposed these illegal charges at Nakasero and Owino markets.
Meanwhile, vendors have petitioned traders' associations pleading for more time—at least one month—to benefit from back-to-school sales.
Now vendors have asked KCCA to allow and confirm the resumption of Sunday Markets in the designated zones on Allen Road, Johnstone Street, and Wilson Road.
But Ssendagire insists this is temporary. He says without addressing why thousands flood the streets daily, Kampala will remain trapped in a cycle of evictions and return.
The two-week ultimatum expires February 19.
Vendors say they will not move unless the President intervenes. The Minister says the grace period for vendors to stay on Kampala streets is over.
All eyes are now on City Hall and whether the markets promised are actually ready before 19th February 2026, which is a deadline day for vendors to appear on the streets.
