Government Suspends Trade Order Enforcement After Public Outcry
By Skika Reporter
The government has suspended enforcement of its controversial “trade order” across cities and towns following mounting pressure from traders, religious leaders, and lawmakers.
State Minister for Trade David Bahati announced the decision this week, citing formal complaints from affected groups, including the Inter-Religious Council. The directive, which had targeted kiosks and unauthorized street vendors, will now remain on hold until at least July to allow for broader consultations.
The suspension comes after a heated parliamentary debate in which legislators sharply criticized how the policy was implemented. Solomon Silwany raised concerns about abrupt evictions of small-scale traders, noting that Parliament had not been adequately briefed before enforcement began.
“Enforcement teams are abruptly removing kiosks and goods,” Silwany said. “How does the government intend to handle these affected traders?”
Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda echoed the concerns, alleging that enforcement squads included security personnel alongside individuals he described as “goons.” He questioned the legality of the operations and called for compensation for traders whose livelihoods were disrupted.
“We must implement these orders with a human face,” Ssemujju said.
In response, Bahati acknowledged shortcomings in the rollout and issued an apology to religious leaders over the conduct of enforcement teams. While defending the policy’s goal of organizing urban trade and promoting the use of formal markets, he admitted its execution had been flawed.
The government now plans to engage key stakeholders—including trader associations, religious leaders, and relevant ministries—before deciding on the next steps. A policy review is expected at the end of June, with a revised enforcement approach likely to follow in July.
Acting Leader of the Opposition Jonathan Odur welcomed the suspension but criticized what he described as a pattern of rushed decision-making.
“The government tends to act first and ask questions later,” Odur said, emphasizing the need for policies that balance urban order with the economic realities of small-scale traders.
The suspension marks a temporary pause in a directive that had sparked widespread concern over its impact on vulnerable urban livelihoods. Its future now hinges on the outcome of the planned consultations.
