Flood-affected traders have renewed their appeal to the government to release the Shs20 billion relief package pledged by President Museveni to support business owners whose merchandise was destroyed during floods that swept through parts of Kampala in October last year.
The traders say the prolonged delay has deepened their financial hardship, with many struggling to rebuild their businesses while continuing to face demands from government agencies to pay taxes and trading licence fees.
Their concerns come amid ongoing reminders from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to renew trading licences and from the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) to settle outstanding tax obligations, despite many traders saying they have yet to recover from the losses they suffered during the disaster.
During a tour of some of the affected business premises, traders showed journalists shops that remain in poor condition months after the floods.
They also displayed clothing and other merchandise damaged by floodwaters, some of which they said had been cut up and repurposed as stuffing material for pillows because it could no longer be sold.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Kakama Sharif said many business owners had initially welcomed the President’s pledge with hope but were becoming increasingly frustrated by the delay in receiving the funds.
“We were happy when President Museveni promised to support us with Shs20 billion, but obtaining that assistance has now become a struggle,” Sharif said.
He said many traders continue to shoulder debts accumulated before and after the floods, with some facing the prospect of losing their property due to loan defaults.
Among them is Sebagala Yusuf, a mattress dealer who operated from Total Building. He said the floods destroyed all his stock and left him unable to recover financially.
“When the floods struck, all my mattresses were destroyed. The money lender who had financed my business has since taken over my properties,” Sebagala said.
At Sebagala’s home in Bunamwaya, notices indicating that the property was up for sale were visible, highlighting the financial strain his family now faces.
“I appeal to President Museveni to intervene and help me because I have lost everything,” he said.
The government has previously attributed the delay in releasing the funds to an ongoing verification exercise following allegations that the number of affected traders may have been exaggerated.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja recently said investigations were continuing after concerns emerged that some traders’ leaders had allegedly inflated the figures submitted to government.
“Government agencies are still investigating the matter after concerns were raised regarding the reported number of affected traders,” Nabbanja said.
The prolonged wait has taken an emotional toll on some families. Sebagala’s wife, Afua Najjemba, was overcome with emotion and unable to speak about their situation during the visit. She was seen weeping as the family grappled with uncertainty over its future.
The traders are now urging government to expedite the verification process and release the promised funds, arguing that many affected businesses remain burdened by debt and are struggling to recover from one of the most destructive flooding incidents in recent years.