The Executive Director of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Sharifah Buzeki, has dismissed reports that St Balikuddembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market, is set to be demolished.
Buzeki reassured traders that the city authority has no plans to demolish the market and urged vendors to remain calm amid growing speculation about the future of one of Kampala’s busiest commercial centres.
She made the remarks during a meeting with leaders of traders from different sections of the market. The meeting followed an incident in which a section of the market was demolished and is currently being rebuilt, raising concerns among traders.
The development caused anxiety after vendors discovered that part of the market had been brought down, including toilet facilities that had been serving traders in the area.
Following the demolition, some traders accused businessman Hamis Kiggundu of being behind the incident.
During the meeting with Buzeki, market leaders also raised several concerns affecting traders operating within the market.
Among the issues highlighted was the demolition of stalls at night without prior notice to vendors. Traders said many of them are currently servicing bank loans and the destruction of their stalls had placed them in serious financial difficulty.
Responding to the concerns, Buzeki assured traders that the authority would address their grievances.
“KCCA has no plan to demolish St. Balikuddembe Market. Traders should remain calm,” she said.
She added that if any redevelopment plans arise in the future, traders would first be consulted and formally informed before any action is taken.
“When the time comes for any redevelopment, we will engage the traders and inform them accordingly,” she said.
Buzeki also revealed that the matter surrounding the demolition is currently before court following the arrest of several individuals suspected of being involved in the incident.
“Those who demolished that section did not obtain any authorization from KCCA,” she emphasized.
She stressed that no structures within the market should be demolished without the involvement and guidance of the city authority and proper consultation with traders.
Meanwhile, KCCA has deployed technical teams to assess buildings constructed near drainage channels within the market to ensure they do not pose safety risks to the public.
Buzeki urged traders to avoid constructing or operating businesses close to drainage channels until the assessment exercise is completed.
Kampala’s Owino Market is one of the largest and most vibrant trading hubs in Uganda, hosting thousands of traders dealing in clothing, food items, electronics and a wide range of other goods.
Authorities say maintaining order, safety and proper infrastructure within the market remains a priority as the city continues efforts to manage urban growth and commercial activity.
