The usually congested streets of Kampala’s central business district were already crowded by mid-morning on Tuesday as thousands of shoppers poured downtown for last-minute Christmas purchases, triggering a tense standoff between formal shop traders and street vendors scrambling for a share of the festive spending.
From Kikuubo and Owino to downtown arcades, pavements were lined with street vendors displaying clothes, foodstuffs, Christmas decorations and household items, leaving little walking space.
Many shoppers opted to buy from street vendors. Several shop traders said business had significantly slowed despite the high foot traffic, blaming it on the surge of hawkers and street vendors, who set up directly at shop entrances and sell goods at lower prices.
‘We open the shops but customers do not enter because hawkers place their goods right at the door and sell at cheaper prices because they do not pay rent or taxes. People buy from them and walk away,’ said Mr Hassan Kato, a cloth trader at French Plaza.
Similar concerns were echoed in Kikuubo, where traders said the Christmas rush has not translated into higher sales.
The hurdles for traders
Mr Reagan Balemeezi, a trader dealing in Christmas decorations in Kikuubo, said competition from street vendors has dealt a heavy blow to shop owners.
‘The streets are flooded with vendors selling the same goods we stock, but at slightly lower prices. Customers stop on the road, buy from them, and never reach our shops. The congestion makes it physically difficult for shoppers to access stores although we hope sales will pick up in the remaining hours to the prime day,’ he said.
Mr Balemeezi also cited political uncertainty ahead of the January 2026 elections as a factor dampening spending. ‘People could be saving in case of emergencies during elections. They fear instability, so instead of spending on Christmas festivities, they are keeping their money.’
Street vendors, however, defended their presence, saying the high cost of living has pushed shoppers to prioritise affordability over comfort.
‘We receive many customers, yes, but most of them are heavy bargainers,’ said Mr Moses Ssentongo, a street vendor selling clothes near City Mall Arcade.
‘People are buying basics like food, children’s clothes and simple shoes. Luxury items are rarely in demand.’ Vendors said shoppers are cautious with spending, often comparing prices across stalls before making purchases. ‘Someone comes with Shs20,000 and wants everything,’ said Ms Aisha Namukasa, who sells foodstuffs on the roadside.
‘They ask for rice, sugar, and soap. People are prioritising essentials for this Christmas, not expensive things.’
Tight budgets
Shoppers interviewed cited tight budgets and fluctuating prices as reasons for crowding downtown early. ‘Prices keep changing as Christmas gets closer so I came early,’ said Ms Grace Nanyonga, a mother of three shopping in Kikuubo.
‘I am buying food and clothes for the children, nothing extra. Things are expensive everywhere.’ Others said flexible pricing on the streets influenced their choices. ‘In shops, prices are fixed, yet on the street you can bargain and save some money,’ said Ms Annet Nayebare, a shopper on Luwum Street.
For travellers heading upcountry for Christmas, the downtown rush has added strain to an already hectic journey. Mr Joseph Ssemanda, who is travelling to Masaka, described the city centre as overwhelming.
‘I came to buy food and a few items before travelling home for Christmas, but moving in town is very difficult,’ he said.
‘From the taxi park, hawkers surround you immediately, boda bodas are hooting, and people are pushing from every side. What should take 10 minutes takes almost an hour with a lot of traffic.’
As the festive season enters its final days, with the climax on New Year’s Day, traders fear that without intervention, formal businesses may continue to lose out to informal vendors, while shoppers brace for even higher prices.
On high demand
People are mostly shopping for food items and clothes, especially for children. Children’s clothing dominated foot traffic in shopping arcades and open markets, with parents opting for lower-cost purchases.
In areas such as downtown Kampala and markets, children’s outfits were selling for as low as Shs10,000 to Shs25,000, compared to higher-priced items in established retail stores, where similar clothing was priced Shs40,000 and above.
Children’s shoes were retailing from as low as Shs15,000 to Shs30,000 depending on quality, while adult footwear ranged between Shs25,000 and Shs60,000 in open markets. Similar items in established retail stores were priced significantly higher starting at Shs50,000 (adults) and children from Shs30,000.