By Lawrence Kooko
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has defended its ongoing trade order enforcement operation, saying the exercise is already improving business compliance and boosting local revenue collection.
Speaking to journalists in Kampala, KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki said the operation was introduced to restore order in the city, decongest business areas and improve the working environment for traders.
The enforcement exercise, launched in February 2026 following a government directive, has focused on removing illegal street vendors, clearing walkways and directing traders into gazetted markets and designated trading spaces.
According to Buzeki, the operation has already registered visible results.
She revealed that between February and April 2026, KCCA issued 22,909 new business licences, generating UGX 5.07 billion in revenue. Before the enforcement, the Authority had registered 15,628 businesses which generated UGX 3.9 billion over a similar period.
Buzeki attributed the increase to improved compliance, saying many informal traders have moved to formalise their businesses in order to continue operating within the city.
She added that clearing illegal structures and vendors from roads and business corridors has improved accessibility for traders, customers and motorists while restoring order in previously congested areas.
KCCA is now targeting up to UGX 200 billion in local revenue collection if compliance levels are maintained across the city.
Last financial year, the Authority collected UGX 127 billion.
Buzeki said there remains significant untapped potential in areas such as business licensing, property rates and market dues.
She noted that KCCA has intensified monitoring and enforcement to ensure businesses operate legally and meet their tax obligations.
Defaulters, she warned, risk penalties and closure of their premises.
Buzeki maintained that trade order enforcement remains non-negotiable and insisted that all traders must operate from gazetted markets and approved trading spaces.
She added that thousands of stalls are still available in city markets to accommodate traders transitioning from informal operations.
Buzeki urged traders to embrace formalisation, saying it is critical for business growth and improved service delivery in Kampala.
She said the operation is intended to build a more organised and productive city rather than disrupt livelihoods.
