RUBIRIZI, Uganda — Leaders in Rubirizi Town Council have assured street vendors operating in Ndekye and Nyakasharu that alternative trading spaces will be provided following the enforcement of a government directive banning roadside businesses.
Town Clerk Atwonjire Hono said the council has taken note of concerns raised by vendors affected by the directive, which is aimed at improving order, cleanliness, and the overall appearance of urban areas.
“We have heard the concerns of street vendors and are working to identify suitable locations where they can be relocated to continue their businesses,” Hono said.
He explained that the directive is part of a nationwide effort to decongest towns and improve public health standards, urging vendors to comply with the government policy while authorities work on long-term solutions.
Hono further revealed that the town council is actively seeking government funding to construct a public market in Ndekye, noting that land for the project is already available and a formal request has been submitted.
Rubirizi Town Council Mayor John Magezi emphasized that street vending has contributed to poor waste management in the area, particularly in Ndekye and Nyakasharu, leading to increased garbage accumulation.
“It is everyone’s responsibility to keep our town clean. Residents must ensure both their homes and business areas remain tidy to promote good health and a decent working environment,” Magezi said.
He urged residents to stop dumping garbage indiscriminately and avoid blocking drainage systems, adding that proper waste management practices, including converting garbage into manure for farming, should be embraced.
Magezi also noted that the town’s physical development plan has already been completed, with provisions for organized business operations. He said authorities are consulting physical planning experts to allocate space where traders can construct kiosks under formal agreements.
He encouraged landowners to develop their plots and provide rental spaces for traders, pointing out that many business operators currently lack suitable working areas.
Meanwhile, Rubirizi Deputy Resident District Commissioner Robina Mirembe attributed the rise in street vending to underlying social challenges, including domestic violence, school dropouts, and early marriages.
Speaking to journalists, Mirembe said some parents fail to provide basic needs or education for their children, forcing many onto the streets in search of survival.
She warned that authorities would take action against parents who neglect their responsibilities, including those who fail to send their children to school or marry off underage girls for bride price.
“Parents must invest in their children’s education, as it is their future source of livelihood,” she said.
Local leaders maintain that while enforcement of the directive will continue, efforts are underway to ensure affected vendors are supported with alternative opportunities to sustain their livelihoods.
