KAMPALA — Traders operating from Totala Business Centre in Kampala have renewed calls for government compensation following devastating floods that destroyed merchandise worth millions of shillings, leaving many struggling to recover financially.
The traders say the prolonged delay in receiving compensation has pushed many business owners into debt, with some now facing the loss of property and livelihoods as they struggle to rebuild their businesses.
According to the affected traders, floodwaters swept through the business centre, destroying stock and leaving hundreds of traders without a source of income.
They are now the government to fulfil what they say was a compensation pledge made by President Yoweri Museveni after the disaster.
Speaking to journalists, several traders expressed frustration over what they described as years of waiting without clear communication regarding when compensation will be paid.
They warned that if their concerns continue to be ignored, they may resort to peaceful demonstrations to draw public attention to their plight.
One of the affected traders, Muhammad Sebanakita, said many business owners have reached breaking point after exhausting all available options.
“We have waited patiently for a long time. Government officials, including the Prime Minister, assured us that compensation would be provided after the floods destroyed our businesses," Sebanakita said.
"However, nothing has reached us. Meanwhile, landlords continue demanding rent and many traders are sinking deeper into debt. We are simply asking government to honour its promise.”
Another trader, Herman Kavuma, said affected business owners have repeatedly engaged various authorities but have seen little progress.
“We have held meetings, submitted requests and followed every procedure that was recommended to us. We were always advised to remain patient, and we have done so. However, our patience is running out because our livelihoods are at stake. If no action is taken, we may be left with no option but to organise a peaceful demonstration,” he said.
The traders' leader at Totala Business Centre, Kakama Sharif, said pressure from affected members continues to grow as many struggle to recover from losses incurred during the floods.
“Every day, traders are asking when compensation will come. Many borrowed money to run their businesses and are now unable to repay their loans. The situation is becoming increasingly difficult for affected families,” Sharif noted.
For some traders, the consequences of the floods have extended far beyond business losses.
Yusuf Ssesabagala, a resident of Bunamwaya in Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, says he is on the verge of losing his family home after failing to repay a business loan following the destruction of his stock.
Ssesabagala explained that he borrowed Shs80 million to purchase clothing merchandise for his business at Totala Business Centre. However, when the floods destroyed the stock, his business collapsed, making it impossible to continue servicing the loan.
“The floods wiped out everything I had invested. Today, the money lender wants to take my house, claiming that the debt has doubled. I have tried to seek help from different leaders, but I have not received any assistance. I had hoped that the promised compensation would help me recover and settle some of these obligations,” he said.
He added that the financial crisis has also disrupted his children's education.
“My children are no longer attending school because I cannot afford school fees. We are living through extremely difficult circumstances and need urgent intervention,” Ssesabagala said.
His wife, Afua Najjemba, described the emotional toll the situation has taken on their family.
“We live in constant fear of losing our home. Every day is filled with anxiety. We appeal to government and all relevant leaders to intervene before the situation becomes worse,” she said.
The affected traders are now calling upon the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry responsible for Kampala Affairs, and leaders of trader associations to expedite the compensation process.
They argue that although the floods occurred months ago, the economic impact continues to affect hundreds of families whose businesses have never fully recovered.
Many believe that timely compensation would help traders restart their enterprises, settle outstanding debts and prevent further social and economic hardship among affected households.