By Vicent Emong
Authorities in Kumi Municipality have launched a crackdown on roadside trading and improper parking along major streets as part of efforts to restore order, improve safety, and organize business operations in the town.
For years, the busy streets of Kumi Municipality have been lined with traders selling fruits, roasted groundnuts, chapati, and other small goods along the roadside. Trucks and other vehicles frequently parked along the Mbale–Soroti Highway as customers briefly stopped to buy snacks and refreshments, creating a thriving informal roadside economy that supported many families.
However, municipal authorities say the situation has increasingly become chaotic and risky, prompting action to reorganize the town.
According to Charles Epenyu, the Senior Assistant Town Clerk for North Division in Kumi Municipality, the municipality is implementing new measures following a directive from the central government instructing urban authorities across the country to organize towns through proper zoning and improved management of businesses.
Epenyu explained that the municipality is introducing what officials call “trade order,” a system intended to ensure that businesses operate only in designated areas.
“We have received instructions from the central government to organize all towns so that there is order,” Epenyu said. “As a municipality, we are committed to ensuring that the business community operates in an organized manner.”
Municipal leaders believe that unregulated roadside trading has caused congestion and created safety risks in several parts of the town. Streets that were meant for vehicles and pedestrians have gradually turned into crowded trading points, making movement difficult and sometimes dangerous.
Security Concerns
Security concerns have also contributed to the decision to remove roadside kiosks.
According to Epenyu, security agencies working together with the Resident District Commissioner raised alarms that some kiosks had become hiding places for criminal groups locally known as Ikok.
These structures, often built in hidden corners and less visible areas, were reportedly being used by criminals to plan activities and evade security surveillance.
“As security officers together with the Resident District Commissioner, we resolved to remove kiosks that have been harboring criminals in hidden corners,” Epenyu explained.
Authorities also highlighted safety concerns along the busy Mbale–Soroti Highway, which passes through the municipality and is frequently used by heavy trucks, including fuel tankers transporting petroleum products across the region.
Officials warn that roadside trading and improper parking along such a busy highway pose serious risks to pedestrians and traders.
Traders Raise Concerns
However, some traders affected by the crackdown say the relocation to designated areas has negatively impacted their businesses.
Joyce Alaso, who sells groundnuts and oranges along the highway, said moving to the designated park has drastically reduced the number of customers.
“At the park there are very few customers. It is becoming difficult for us to repay our loans and even pay school fees for our children,” she said.
Another trader, Walosika Wandera, a chapati vendor, echoed similar concerns, saying business has slowed down due to the low population at the new trading area.
“The number of people at the park is very low, and there are no security lights, which makes the situation worse,” Wandera said.
Despite the complaints from traders, municipal authorities maintain that the measures are necessary to ensure long-term safety, improved sanitation, and organized urban development in Kumi Municipality.
