Masaka City Mayor Pledges Protection for Vendors in Designated Trading Areas

Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja has reaffirmed her commitment to maintaining order in the city’s business environment, vowing not to allow the eviction of vendors and traders who have been officially allocated designated working spaces by city authorities.

Her remarks come amid ongoing enforcement of trade regulations aimed at clearing vendors and hawkers from operating along streets. However, the mayor emphasized that the directive should not affect traders already operating from gazetted and organized locations approved by the city.

In recent years, Masaka City has witnessed a rise in informal trading, with some vendors setting up businesses outside established markets and commercial buildings. Areas such as near Club Ambiance have become known for roadside food vending, particularly roasted chicken and other fast-moving food items.

Namayanja clarified that while the city supports organized trade, it will not tolerate the displacement of vendors who were deliberately settled in specific locations to earn a living.

“We want the people of Masaka to work with us in building an organized city that reflects our shared vision, without harming anyone’s livelihood. It is painful to see someone who has struggled to set up a business being chased away unfairly. That is something I will not allow in Masaka City,” she said.

She stressed that current enforcement targets only those operating illegally on streets and in unauthorized spaces, not those working from recognized areas allocated by the authorities.

“Our focus is not on traders in designated places. We are addressing those who choose to operate in unauthorized areas instead of cooperating with the city’s plans. Order and discipline are essential for the growth of our city,” Namayanja added.

The mayor also highlighted that the city has created alternative trading spaces, including areas in Kimaanya such as Supa, where vendors dealing in produce like pineapples and watermelons have been officially settled.

Despite the availability of two modern markets constructed by the central government, some traders argue they were not given the opportunity to secure stalls, forcing them to operate informally.

Namayanja urged all traders to engage with city authorities to find lasting solutions, emphasizing that cooperation is key to ensuring both order and economic survival.