Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | In a decisive initiative to tackle urban congestion and prioritize public safety, the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen Edward Katumba Wamala, issued a compelling directive, ordering the prompt evacuation of all roadside vendors.
While issuing this stringent directive on Friday at Uganda Media Center, Gen Katumba indicated that his objective is to improve city functionality and prioritize the well-being of citizens by reclaiming public spaces.
Gen Katumba emphasized that engaging in trading on the road reserve and walkway is illegal, as stipulated by the Road Safety Act passed by Parliament in 2019. By Section 65(1)[e] of the Roads Act, 2019, the act explicitly states that a person conducting a business activity on the shoulder, sidewalk, or road reserve of a public road commits an offence. Upon conviction, they are liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred sixty-eight currency points, imprisonment not exceeding seven years, or both.