Traders in Kampala's downtown area staged a protest at the Office of the Prime Minister, demanding the release of a Shs 20 billion relief fund promised by President Yoweri Museveni. The fund was pledged to help businesses recover from floods that swept through the city in October 2025. Sharif Kakama, a trader at Totala Building, said he lost his entire shop and is struggling to rebuild his business. The traders, carrying placards, called for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.
The floods have had a devastating impact on traders, with many struggling to provide for their families. Wasswa Erasmus, a crafts trader at Nanana Centre, said the destruction of his business has disrupted his children's education. Erasmus added that the traders need the money urgently to restock their shops and take advantage of increased business during the Christmas season. The protest was later dispersed by police, with several traders fleeing the scene and a few reportedly arrested.
President Museveni met some of the flood-affected traders at his home in Kisozi in December 2025 and pledged Shs 20 billion to support their recovery. The Office of the Prime Minister was tasked with coordinating the disbursement in collaboration with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). However, the process has been delayed by disagreements over the number of traders eligible for the assistance.
On March 14, 2026, Prime Minister Nabbanja said the Internal Security Organisation (ISO) had participated in verifying the beneficiaries after conflicting figures emerged from lists submitted by KCCA and trader leaders. The traders now say the verification process has been completed and want the government to release the money. They argue that the continued delay is making it harder for them to rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods.
Musa Ssenteza, a trader, vowed that the group would not leave the Office of the Prime Minister until they received a clear explanation about the delayed payments. The traders are frustrated and want the government to fulfil its promise so they can resume normal business operations. The delayed relief fund has added to the traders' woes, who are struggling to recover from the floods.
The protest highlights the challenges faced by traders in Kampala, who are still reeling from the impact of the floods. The traders are calling on the government to act quickly and release the relief fund to help them rebuild their businesses. The government has been urged to expedite the disbursement process to support the affected traders.
The delayed relief fund has disrupted the traders' plans to restock their shops ahead of the Christmas season. The traders are now counting on the government's support to recover from the floods and restore their livelihoods. The incident has highlighted the need for the government to provide timely support to affected businesses.
Key points
- Traders in Kampala protested the delayed Shs 20 billion relief fund promised by President Yoweri Museveni.
- The relief fund was pledged to help businesses recover from floods that swept through the city in October 2025.
- The delayed disbursement has added to the traders' woes, who are struggling to recover from the floods.
