Over 100 kiosks, containers closed in Masaka city trade order operations

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Masaka city authorities have closed more than 100 kiosks and containers during ongoing trade order enforcement operations in Nyendo-Mukungwe and Kimaanya-Kabonela divisions.

The city enforcement team, working with the police, targeted illegal structures, particularly in Nyendo suburb and the central business area. An illegal taxi park along the Masaka-Kampala road was also closed on April 20, 2026.

Several affected traders were still negotiating for more time to vacate the city.

The deputy town clerk for Nyendo division, Prosper Tagobya, said most traders operating in illegal structures had complied with the trade order guidelines.

"The errant traders have eased our enforcement exercise; the majority of the traders have complied, especially in Nyendo," he said.

Masaka city authorities have closed more than 100 kiosks and containers during ongoing trade order enforcement operations in Nyendo-Mukungwe and Kimaanya-Kabonela divisions. (Photo by Dismus Buregyeya)

He added that food vendors and hawkers had been evicted from the city centre and relocated to main markets in Nyendo and the central division. He also said that illegally constructed buildings would be demolished.

City town clerk Daniel Christopher Kaweesi warned traders against falling victim to individuals extorting money under the guise of enforcing trade order regulations.

“We shall not compromise with anyone; the trade order enforcement will be implemented after the one-week ultimatum we set. We shall arrest those who resist,” he said.

Kaweesi advised traders with genuine concerns to seek an audience with the Masaka town clerk’s office and other relevant city authorities.

Enforcement warnings

The Nyendo-Mukungwe division district police commander commended traders in Nyendo for complying with the directives.

“We are happy with the Nyendo traders who have relieved us with the enforcement team by vacating the prohibited areas,” he said.

Transport regulations tightened

According to the trade order restoration guidelines for Masaka city, signed by the town clerk on April 9, 2026, all taxi vehicles must operate from gazetted taxi parks, including those on Kyewalyanga Street, Kalangala Taxi Park in Nyendo, Villa Road Private Park and the bus park.

The guidelines state that taxi stages should serve only as transit points and not as permanent taxi parks. Boda boda operators are also required to operate from gazetted stages.

“Any operations outside the gazette stages are strictly prohibited,” he said.

On parking, the town clerk said all vehicle owners and operators must use gazetted parking spaces.

“Parking in pavements, verandas, double parking and parking in the middle of roads is prohibited; those who violate the guidelines will be prosecuted,” he said.

He also warned motorists against violating one-way traffic regulations, noting that offenders would face penalties and fines.

Regarding open evening markets, commonly known as Omubulo, held on Tuesdays and Fridays in Nyendo and the main market, the Town Clerk said traders who extend beyond gazetted areas would be penalised.

He, however, allowed the markets to continue, noting their importance to the night economy.

“But we also need them in gazette areas where they should operate from 5 pm to midnight,” he said.

He directed traders roasting chicken on city streets to relocate to the urban market instead of operating near Ambiance Discotheque.

Turning to landlords, the town clerk warned owners of dilapidated buildings to renovate and repaint them ahead of enforcement.

“Some of those buildings area health hazards with a bad image,” he said.

He also instructed landlords to stop allowing business operations in containers within their premises.

Additionally, he ordered the removal of 2026 political campaign posters from city streets.

The town clerk further warned against noise pollution, particularly from born-again Christian churches, saying it must be addressed.