Patience

  When the rain falls, open-air markets in Kampala quickly turn into muddy, congested spaces where both traders and customers struggle to move . Rainy days bring a different kind of challenge to open-air markets. What is usually a busy and vibrant trading space suddenly becomes wet, slippery, and uncomfortable. In the image, vendors are forced to sit on sacks and wooden crates while trying to protect their goods from the rain. The ground is muddy, making it difficult for customers to walk freely without stepping into puddles. Many traders operate under temporary shelters made from tarpaulins and old umbrellas. These structures offer little protection when the rain becomes heavy. Water seeps through, soaking produce like tomatoes, bananas, and vegetables. This not only leads to losses but also affects hygiene and freshness of the food being sold. Movement within the market also becomes difficult. Narrow pathways fill with mud, and sacks placed on the ground block walkways. Customer...

  Street food vendors serve affordable meals, but limited sanitation raises serious hygiene concerns for public health. In many urban neighborhoods, street food stalls provide quick and affordable meals to busy pedestrians. The scene above shows vendors preparing and serving food in a crowded alley, surrounded by dust, open containers, and limited access to clean water. While these businesses play an important role in supporting livelihoods and feeding communities, hygiene practices in such environments remain a growing concern. Food is being prepared in open spaces exposed to pollution, flies, and constant human traffic. Cooking utensils appear to be washed in shared basins, and clean and dirty dishes are stacked closely together. Without proper handwashing stations, food handlers may unintentionally transfer germs from money, surfaces, or raw ingredients directly to ready-to-eat meals. This increases the risk of foodborne illnesses such as diarrhea, typhoid, and stomach infecti...

  The calm, orderly streets of Fort Portal reflect a city where cleanliness and planning shape everyday life. Fort Portal stands out as one of Uganda’s cleanest and most organized towns, offering a refreshing contrast to the congestion and litter often seen in larger urban centers. The streets are well-swept, road reserves are maintained, and green spaces are carefully trimmed, creating an environment that feels calm, welcoming, and orderly. The roundabout in the town center, decorated with flowers and neatly maintained lawns, reflects a strong culture of urban care. Roads appear free from scattered waste, and drainage channels are visible and unobstructed  a sign of consistent maintenance. Motorists, boda bodas, and pedestrians all share the space in an organized manner, which further enhances the town’s tidy appearance. Cleanliness in Fort Portal is not just about aesthetics; it also improves public health and tourism appeal. Visitors often notice the fresh air, limited ...

  A group of men relax on a worn-out couch placed along a narrow alley, turning a simple roadside into a social gathering spot. In many urban neighborhoods, everyday life unfolds in the smallest and most unexpected spaces. This narrow alley has transformed into a casual meeting point where residents pause, chat, and observe the flow of the day. A patterned couch placed against the wall serves as an improvised lounge, showing how people creatively adapt their environment to suit their social needs. The scene reflects a sense of community and familiarity. Some sit comfortably engaged in conversation, while others stand nearby, scrolling on their phones or watching the interaction. The relaxed body language suggests a routine gathering  a place where news is shared, jokes are exchanged, and time moves at a slower pace. Despite the rough surroundings, including an open drainage channel and unfinished walls, the space becomes lively through human interaction. It highlights how ...

  Motorcyclists move through a busy junction despite traffic lights, reflecting the increasing disregard for road signals.                                                                                                   22.04.2026 Across many busy intersections in the city, traffic lights are slowly losing their authority. What should be an organized flow of vehicles often turns into confusion, with motorists especially motorcycle riders choosing to move regardless of whether the light is red, amber, or green. The result is a chaotic mix of crossing paths, near-collisions, and unnecessary congestion. In the image above, multiple riders push through the junction at the same time, ignoring the structure meant to guide them. Instead of waiti...

Clear sidewalks in Kampala have made movement easier, following the removal of street vendors who once crowded the city’s busy walkways.                                                                                20.04.2026 The streets now feel more open and easier to move through. Pedestrians walk freely along the sidewalks, and vehicles pass with fewer interruptions. What was once crowded with makeshift stalls and roadside displays has gradually transformed into a more organized urban space. The difference is noticeable movement is smoother, visibility is better, and the city feels less congested. This change comes after street vendors were asked to leave the sidewalks and roadside trading spots. For years, these vendors had filled the streets with small businesses selling clothes, s...

  Despite repeated directives and evictions, some Ugandan street vendors continue to sell clothes outside shop fronts, determined to survive in a difficult economic environment. The streets remain lined with neatly folded piles of second-hand garments, plastic bags filled with stock, and vendors patiently waiting for customers even after being sent away. For many of these traders, selling outside shops is not a matter of defiance but necessity. Formal shop spaces are expensive, and daily rent can easily wipe out profits. The pavement, though uncertain, offers visibility and access to passing customers. After every enforcement operation, vendors temporarily disappear, only to slowly return, setting up again in familiar spots. This cycle highlights the tension between city order and economic survival. Authorities emphasize decongesting the city and maintaining organized business spaces, while vendors argue they are simply trying to earn a living. Without affordable alternatives, ...

 UNAUTHORIZED BUILDINGS DEMOLISHED FROM STREETS BY KCCA. By Racheal Patience The busy street briefly turned into a scene of coordinated activity as officials supervised the removal of a roadside mobile money kiosk. Workers carefully lifted the bright yellow structure while curious onlookers gathered nearby, watching the operation unfold. The exercise appeared to be part of an urban enforcement effort aimed at clearing unauthorized structures and restoring order along the roadside. Such operations highlight the ongoing tension between city planning regulations and the informal businesses that many people depend on for daily income. Mobile money booths, like the one removed, often provide essential financial services to nearby communities, offering convenience for sending and receiving money, paying bills, and purchasing airtime. However, when set up without proper authorization, they can contribute to congestion, obstruct walkways, and raise safety concerns. As the kiosk was moved a...

In recent years, Uganda has taken significant steps toward improving its sports infrastructure, and one of the most exciting developments is the construction of Hoima City Stadium. Located in the growing oil city of Hoima, this modern stadium represents not only a place for sports but also a symbol of development, opportunity and national pride. Hoima City Stadium stands as one of the most ambitious sports projects in the country. Its striking architectural design, decorated with vibrant patterns and geometric shapes, reflects a modern African aesthetic that blends culture with innovation. The stadium’s large seating capacity and advanced facilities are designed to host major national and international sporting events, concerts and community gatherings. The development of the stadium is closely linked to Uganda’s preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027, which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. As a result, Hoima City Stadium is expected to meet internatio...