Lira, Uganda | Traders and motorists operating in unauthorized locations within Lira City have been given a 14-day deadline by city authorities to vacate prohibited areas as part of renewed efforts to enforce urban order and streamline business operations.
The ultimatum follows an enforcement notice issued by the Office of the Town Clerk on February 24, 2026, warning against continued trading, parking, loading, and off-loading activities conducted outside gazetted zones.
City officials say the directive targets growing cases of business operators occupying pedestrian walkways, road reserves, and other restricted public spaces, a situation authorities argue has contributed to traffic congestion and hindered free movement within the city centre.
Issued under provisions of the Markets Act 2023 and the Road Safety Act 2023, the notice instructs offenders to immediately cease the unlawful activities and relocate to officially designated markets and parking areas within the stipulated two-week period.
Town Clerk Vincent Okurut, in the signed notice, cautioned that non-compliance after the expiry of the ultimatum will lead to enforcement measures including confiscation of merchandise, impoundment of vehicles, spot fines, court prosecution, and possible cancellation of trading licenses.
The directive has been copied to key administrative and enforcement offices, including the Resident City Commissioner, the Mayor, Division Town Clerks for Lira City East and West, and the Senior Law Enforcement Officer, signaling coordinated enforcement across the city.
The move comes at a time when several urban authorities across Uganda are currently implementing similar crackdowns on traders operating in ungazetted areas.
In Kampala, the Kampala Capital City Authority recently commenced enforcement operations ordering street vendors, boda boda riders, and taxi operators to vacate roadsides and unauthorized trading spaces in the capital city to restore order and improve traffic flow.
Comparable enforcement exercises are also being reported in major cities such as Gulu, Mbale, and Mbarara, where local authorities are tightening regulation of informal street trade as part of broader urban management reforms.
Urban authorities maintain that the move is aimed at promoting orderly trade, enhancing road safety, and protecting public infrastructure as Lira City positions itself for structured urban growth.
Affected traders and transport operators have been encouraged to comply within the given timeframe to avoid disruption once enforcement operations commence.