Street vending in Kampala remains illegal as the country prepares for the festive season, Betty Kamya the Kampala minister has advised.
Flanked by the Resident City Commissioner of Kampala, Commander Kampala Metropolitan Police and the Ag. Deputy Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority, Kamya made the announcement on Thursday morning while addressing the press at Uganda media centre.
She explained that during this period, the city is filled with street vendors and buyers as people try to make last minute sales and purchases. The miniter however says this comes with all forms of challenges, including but not limited to, traffic jams, pickpocketing and accidents.
"We would like to reiterate our advice and directive that street vending is illegal and that persons who engage in this shall be arrested, their wares impounded and subjected to prosecution" she said.
Ministet Kamya has now directed Kampala Capital City Authority and the Uganda Police Force (Kampala Metropolitan Police) to clamp down on this illegal activity and bring the offenders to book.
She also warned that there shall be a lot of religious activities and merry-making going on during this period. "We would like to implore all the religious leaders that even as they lead the flock through prayers, they should be mindful of the need to minimize the noise levels in the communities that their religious institutions are located" Kamya added.
As regards to the outdoor prayers and overnight prayers, we would like to advise all the organizers to follow the duly laid out protocols of seeking permission from NEMA, KCCA (or relevant local government) and the Uganda Police Force and to comply with the conditions laid out in their directives or permits.
"For the case of entertainment centres like bars, hotels and other hospitality centres, we would like to advise the owners that any form of noise pollution that shall be in contravention of the legal limits shall not be tolerated. The KCCA and National Environment Management Authority are advised to enforce the law effectively in case of breach" the minister warned.
Kamya also told the press that the Kampala Metropolitan Police Commander has assured her of intensified foot and motorised patrols to deter burglaries, mugging, drug abuse, thefts and other crimes associated with festive season.
"Organizers of functions at which fireworks shall be ignited should pay attention to the Uganda Police Force which will shortly give detailed guidance on the use of fireworks and this should be duly followed."
