The Government of Uganda through the Minister of Security Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi has banned hawkers from moving around villages saying they are source of insecurity in country.

According to the directive issued to Resident District Commissioners, District Police Commanders (DPCs), and District Internal Security Officers (DISOs) through the Minister for Security Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, Government have received information that there are criminals moving around villages especially in Western region, masquerading/pretending to be hawkers or traders.

“We have received information that there are criminals around the villages especially in the Western region, masquerading to be hawkers/traders,” Muhwezi said.

“The practice of moving in villages selling items should not be allowed as it is a source of insecurity,” he added.

Muhwezi said that those who want to sell items should move to the trading centres.

“Those who want to trade should do so in trading centres,” Gen Muhwezi said in a 11th January, 2022 letter to district security bosses.