Kampala Central Member of Parliament, Muhammad Nsereko, has advised city traders operating from mall basements to vacate immediately, warning that they risk suffering fresh losses as more floods are expected.
Nsereko’s remarks follow recent heavy rains that left several shopping malls and arcades in downtown Kampala, particularly around Kisenyi and Nabugabo, submerged. Many traders in those areas lost goods worth millions of shillings after their basement shops were flooded.
Speaking during a radio talk show, Nsereko said traders should learn from past experiences and move their businesses to safer areas.
“They should stop operating from the basements. The floods will come again. As long as the government doesn't own malls and leaves them to private players, the problem will continue,” Nsereko said.
He noted that in other countries, malls are often co-owned by local councils, which ensures better regulation and safety standards, unlike in Uganda where “everything has been liberalised.”
“I want to tell the traders that the rains are still coming and the floods will come back for as long as the government doesn't increase the budget for secondary drainages,” he warned.
Nsereko further criticised landlords for prioritising profits over safety.
“To traders, don’t (get bitten thrice by the snake in the same hole. If it happens, it makes you look a fool. The building owners are very greedy and are all about money. Whether you made losses or not, they want rent,” he said.
The Kampala Central legislator also took a swipe at traders for keeping away from political involvement, saying their reluctance to support those who advocate for their welfare undermines their own interests.
“When you stand for a position, you will never see any trader give you even Shs2,000, but those in Entebbe, Masaka and the outskirts support,” Nsereko said. “The people (traders) we are fighting for—can they close their shop to fight for you when you have a problem? They are very unappreciative and disunited. When they hear there's a political cause, they distance themselves.”
Nsereko’s warning comes amid predictions of continued heavy rains in several parts of the country, with authorities urging city dwellers to take precautions against possible flooding.