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President Yoweri Museveni has issued a strong call to Kampala’s street vendors, urging them to stop littering the city and contribute to keeping the capital clean. This comes as Kampala continues to struggle with waste management, generating up to 3,000 tonnes of garbage daily—yet only 1,800 tonnes are collected, leaving the rest scattered in streets and drains.

Speaking on the president’s behalf during a July 29th gathering of over 2,000 hawkers at Kololo Independence Grounds, senior presidential advisor Moses Byaruhanga emphasized the need for proper waste disposal. He urged vendors to avoid dumping sugarcane peels, banana skins, and plastic waste on city streets.

State House comptroller Jane Barekye and Minister for Kampala Minsa Kabanda, who were also present, echoed the president’s message of responsible vending. Kabanda assured hawkers of government protection and pledged that no vendor would be arrested, calling for reciprocation through responsible behavior.

Kampala Central Division Mayor Salim Uhuru also warned KCCA enforcement officers against harassing vendors, stating that any misconduct should be recorded for follow-up.

To support the hawkers, President Museveni issued a token of UGX 100,000 to each vendor and an additional UGX 50,000 for those who had brought merchandise. Vendors were encouraged to wear NRM T-shirts for identification under the new framework.

The initiative aims to strike a balance between empowering informal traders and maintaining urban order amid growing concerns over environmental degradation caused by unregulated vending