Uganda resumes enforcement of trade order after Cabinet decision

The Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magezi, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, announced the resumption of nationwide enforcement of the trade order following Cabinet approval.

Mr Magezi said the decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting held on April 27, clearing the way for immediate implementation of the directive across the country.

Last week, State Minister for Trade David Bahati had told Parliament that the trade order— which regulates how certain goods and services are distributed and sold—had been suspended pending consultations with stakeholders.

The directive has previously faced uneven enforcement, with authorities citing coordination and operational challenges.

However, Mr Magezi said Cabinet reviewed Parliament’s position and resolved to proceed with the implementation, noting that the order had already begun yielding results in areas where it had been enforced.

“Cabinet, at its sitting held on April 27, 2026, resolved that the implementation of the Trade Order continues as planned,” he told journalists.

The move signals a renewed push by government to streamline trade practices, protect local enterprises and restore order in retail and wholesale business.

Mr Magezi said local governments will lead enforcement, working with security agencies and trade officials to ensure compliance. District and municipal authorities have been directed to begin immediate implementation.

He also stressed the need to address concerns of traders without designated workspaces, saying efforts are underway to allocate them space in gazetted markets.

“Our team is working with the private sector to ensure that all traders operate in gazetted places,” he said.

The minister added that mechanisms have been put in place to receive public complaints and urged enforcement teams to implement the directive humanely, without mistreating traders.

The enforcement will particularly focus on separating wholesale and retail trade, a key measure aimed at reducing unfair competition and creating opportunities for small-scale Ugandan traders.

Government maintains that the directive will strengthen domestic commerce, improve tax compliance and promote more organised market operations. However, previous enforcement attempts have drawn mixed reactions, with some traders warning of disruptions to livelihoods.

Authorities say sensitisation campaigns will accompany the rollout to help traders understand the requirements and adjust accordingly.

The ministry is expected to issue detailed guidelines on enforcement and penalties in the coming days, as government intensifies efforts to formalise the economy and support local enterprises.