Car dealers and bond operators along the busy Kampala-Jinja highway are facing eviction after the government launched an operation to clear businesses from the road reserve. The Ministry of Works and Transport says the move, which began on June 27, 2025, is aimed at restoring order and safety along one of Uganda’s most important road corridors.
Operators along the Nakawa–Banda–Kireka stretch have been given 30 days to vacate voluntarily — or risk having their structures demolished at their own cost.
“We’ve been told to move, just like that,” said one car bond operator in Banda, visibly concerned about the future of his business. “This is our livelihood. We understand the law, but we wish we had more time.
For years, this section of Jinja Road has been cluttered with car dealerships, many of them extending into the road reserve and, in some cases, dangerously close to the main road. What might seem like just a bit of extra space used for parking or displaying vehicles has actually caused major headaches for road users — from traffic jams during rush hour to flooding due to blocked drainage systems.
According to the Ministry, these encroachments have made the road not only narrower but also riskier, with cars constantly moving in and out of the bonds without proper traffic controls.
“This isn’t just about enforcing laws — it’s about protecting lives,” said a Ministry spokesperson. “Pedestrians, especially school children and the elderly, are often forced into traffic because the sidewalks are taken up by parked vehicles.”
The eviction notice, signed by Permanent Secretary Bageya Waiswa, makes it clear: after the 30-day grace period, the government will forcefully remove any remaining structures, and owners will foot the bill.
This isn’t just about a single road. The Kampala-Jinja highway is part of the Northern Corridor, a critical trade route linking Uganda to Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Keeping it safe and functional isn’t just a national issue — it’s regional.
Still, for the car dealers who have worked here for years — sometimes decades — the sudden deadline feels abrupt.
“We’re not against development,” said another dealer in Kireka. “But some of us have loans, families, and staff. Where do we go now?
The Ministry is urging all affected businesses to use the 30-day period to relocate voluntarily. After that, enforcement will begin.
City residents, meanwhile, are hopeful the move will ease congestion and make the road safer — but many also sympathize with the businesses being pushed out.
As Kampala continues to grow, the city faces a tough balancing act: keeping order and ensuring safety, while also protecting the livelihoods of its people.
