Bt Tolit Ivan
Gulu city authority has on Monday commence the long awaited enforcement of the removal of illegal trading from public spaces, as the city continue to face rising unregulated commerce.
It started with the removal of over 200 kiosks from road reserves from Gulu Avenue and Andrea Olal Road.
This follows a directive from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumamanya, to local authorities nationwide to enforce licensing laws and remove illegal trading from public spaces.
The directive comes amid a surge in unlicensed street vending, informal settlements, and unplanned structures that have increasingly overwhelmed city streets.
Kumamanya emphasised that all commercial activity must comply with the Trade (Licensing) Act, Cap 101, requiring traders to hold valid licenses and operate strictly from designated areas.
The Ministry issued a 10-point action guide for local leaders, including the removal of campaign posters and clearing streets, pavements, walkways, and verandahs of traders who obstruct mobility.
Measures also stress daily market cleanliness, strengthened law enforcement, improved public transport planning, and community education about licensing regulations.
Speaking to the press during the launch of the operation at Cereleno market in Laroo-Pece Division, Innocent Ahimbisibwe, the Gulu City Town Clerk, said the operation is aimed at restoring trade order in the city.
