The Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, has tasked the government to account for a Shs20 billion compensation pledge to traders whose merchandise was destroyed by floods in downtown Kampala, warning that repeated unfulfilled promises risk undermining public trust.
“The government had committed to compensating these business persons to the tune of about Shs.20 billion, and up to date there is nothing. Did the government lie to them?” Ssenyonyi asked.
The traders were affected by severe flash floods that swept through parts of Kampala between October 30 and 31, 2025, submerging shops in several arcades near the Nakivubo Channel.
The channel had been allocated to city businessman Hamis Kiggundu for redevelopment.
An assessment report indicated that 451 traders were affected, with nine buildings damaged and total losses estimated at Shs23.4 billion.
The damage included four buildings that were severely affected, five moderately damaged structures, and 324 primary tenants alongside 127 sub-tenants impacted.
Following the disaster, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja visited the affected areas on November 4, 2025, acting on a directive from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to assess the extent of the destruction.
In December 2025, Museveni also met trader leaders led by John Kabanda, during which the government reportedly committed to compensating the victims.
By early 2026, officials said 454 traders had been verified for compensation worth about Shs23.43 billion.
However, disagreements soon emerged after some trader associations claimed that more than 1,000 businesses had been affected, raising concerns about the accuracy and scope of the verification process.
Months later, many traders say they are still waiting for the promised payments. The issue resurfaced after fresh floods struck Kampala on March 6, 2026, once again damaging property in the same areas and exposing persistent drainage challenges.
Ssenyonyi said the repeated disasters highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive national flood mitigation strategy, rather than relying on recurring compensation pledges.
“Government promised to compensate the victims and the bereaved families, but to date those families still complain,” he said.
The renewed flooding has intensified scrutiny on urban planning and drainage infrastructure in Kampala, with critics arguing that without long-term solutions, traders will continue to suffer recurring losses.
