If you’ve recently walked out of your office or home craving a hot Rolex or a quick kikomando fix, chances are you’ve returned empty-handed—and slightly heartbroken.
Across Uganda, a sweeping enforcement of trade order by city and municipal authorities has seen the demolition of roadside kiosks, containers, and the beloved “rolex guy” stalls. What was meant to restore order in urban spaces has now sparked an unexpected ‘national crisis’: the disappearance of Uganda’s most trusted street meals.
The impact? The streets are cleaner—but the people are hungry.
Social media has since turned into a support group for stranded Rolex lovers, with Ugandans sharing equal parts frustration and humor over the situation.
John Laban summed up the shock many are facing: “Today I went to get a Rolex and my guy’s stall was demolished.”
For some, the realization hit harder when they discovered this wasn’t just a Kampala issue. @Smitten posted, “Kumbe the demolishing of roadside kiosks wasn’t meant for Kampala only? Rolex guys have all been kicked off the streets in Mukono. The consequences are going to be massive.”
And indeed, the consequences are already biting. @IamSapex didn’t hold back: “In most of the towns these days, it’s very hard to get a chappati or Rolex 😒. Government you have really done us bad 🫣.”
Even late-night cravings are no longer safe. @MosadTrust shared, “Was somewhere yesterday night looked for a Rolex couldn’t find a stall.”
Others are already joking about the future of street food in Uganda. @TeamFedero quipped, “It seems we’re going to start ordering rolex on Jumia.”
But behind the humor is a real concern—affordability. Mwiza Diane pointed out the growing gap: “I am not ready to buy a rolex at 25k from Javas, please allow our guys to work.”
For many, this is bigger than just food—it’s culture. Eric Onyait warned, “They are killing the tourist icon of Uganda ‘the Rolex’.”
And for some, it’s simply survival. AK Danielah put it plainly: “I am starving, I can no longer see a rolex stall in my area.”
As authorities continue to enforce the directive, Ugandans are left asking one simple question: where have all the Rolex guys gone?
