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By Our Staff Reporter
March 2, 2026 Mbale, Uganda – In a bold move to restore order and cleanliness in the city’s bustling central business district, Mbale City authorities, alongside police, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and enforcement teams, launched a sweeping operation on Monday morning to evict unauthorized street vendors and dismantle illegal roadside structures. The crackdown follows a five-day ultimatum issued by the government, urging traders to relocate to designated market spaces.
The enforcement action targets vendors operating on walkways, road reserves, and other public areas not approved for commercial use. City officials describe the initiative as essential for decongesting streets, improving public health standards, and ensuring smooth accessibility for both motorists and pedestrians. “This operation is about creating a more organized urban environment where trade can thrive without compromising safety and sanitation,” said Industrial City Division Town Clerk Magisa Goefrey in a statement.
Vendors, however, have pushed back against the relocation plan, arguing that the assigned marketplaces are overcrowded and poorly positioned to attract sufficient customers. Many have vowed to resist eviction, citing potential loss of livelihoods in spaces they claim are inadequate for their needs. Weeks of sensitization efforts by the city appear to have fallen short, with some traders continuing operations in defiance of the directive.
The broader strategy behind the crackdown addresses longstanding issues exacerbated by unregulated vending, including poor waste management, blocked drainage systems, traffic jams, and unfair competition with established market stalls. By channeling traders into gazetted areas, authorities aim to streamline business operations and foster a cleaner, more efficient cityscape.
City leaders have called on affected vendors to comply voluntarily, warning that further resistance could lead to escalated enforcement measures. “We urge all traders to move to the designated zones to avoid disruptions and contribute to a healthier Mbale,” added Goefrey.
This operation is part of ongoing urban management reforms in Mbale, reflecting a national push toward better-regulated trade practices in Uganda’s growing cities. Residents and business owners in the area have mixed reactions, with some welcoming the potential for less cluttered streets, while others express sympathy for the vendors facing displacement.
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