By Alice
The Fort Portal Central Division authorities have issued a stern warning to evicted street vendors, cautioning them against returning to the streets following a recent enforcement operation.
Central Division Town Clerk Didas Muhanguzi said the city will not tolerate any attempts by vendors to reoccupy pavements and road reserves, where a major eviction exercise was conducted last month.
The warning follows an incident in which evicted vendors reportedly stormed Fuelex Petrol Station, their former operating area, and attempted to force out current food and chapatti vendors. The group claimed that the government had suspended the trade order enforcement exercise, which had earlier led to their removal.
The affected vendors, previously operating along Kisenyi, VOT Street, and other parts of the city, argue that business in the designated markets is slow, leaving them with little income.
However, Muhanguzi emphasized that the eviction was necessary to restore order, reduce congestion, and maintain cleanliness in the city. He warned that any vendor found selling on the streets will be arrested and prosecuted.
He noted that vendors were officially relocated to gazetted areas including Central Market, Mpanga Market, Kabundaire Market, and designated spaces in Kisenyi.
Muhanguzi maintained that the city leadership supports lawful business operations but insists they must be conducted in approved locations, adding that markets have sufficient space and will gradually attract customers.
Cabinet approves trade order
Meanwhile Cabinet yesterday announced resolved to lift the suspension on the Trade Order and proceed with its full implementation across the country.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Minister of Local Government Raphael Magyezi during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala.
“Cabinet at its sitting yesterday, the 27th April 2026, agreed and resolved that the implementation of the trade order should continue as earlier planned,” Magyezi said.
Parliament had earlier been informed that enforcement of the Trade Order was suspended after government met with petitioners, including leaders of Born Again and Pentecostal churches and the Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA).
They had come to us with a number of concerns. We listened to them. They asked for a little more time,” Magyezi explained.
He said the suspension specifically covered the demolition of church structures to allow congregations to upgrade buildings and secure approved plans.
“So we had agreed that specifically the demolition of churches be suspended to allow the churches time to improve their structures, to get their building plans approved and so on,” he noted.
he Trade Order seeks to enforce physical planning standards, regulate business premises, and remove illegal structures in urban centers. It targets unlicensed operations and buildings that do not comply with planning laws.
With the suspension now lifted, Magyezi said enforcement teams will resume inspections, issue compliance notices, and demolish structures that remain non-compliant.