Uganda Government Approves Shs19bn in Aid for Kampala Flood Victims

The Ugandan government has approved Shs18.99 billion in financial assistance for traders affected by floods in Kampala. The floods, caused by heavy rains on October 30 and 31, 2025, destroyed merchandise and disrupted businesses in downtown Kampala. The approved amount is part of a Shs20 billion package, with the remaining Shs1.0005 billion allocated to support the operations and revolving fund of the Federation of Uganda Traders Associations (FUTA).

The Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, announced the decision at the Uganda Media Centre. She stated that the Shs18.9995 billion would be disbursed as compassionate ex-gratia assistance to traders whose businesses were affected by the floods. Lumumba emphasised that the payment was goodwill assistance rather than an admission of legal responsibility by the government.

The floods principally affected 13 arcades and St Balikuddembe Market, popularly known as Owino Market. The affected premises included Nana Arcade, Totala Building, Capital Centre, Pentagon Plaza, French Plaza, Premier Arcade, Qualicel Mall, Freedom Centre, Nabukera Plaza, Ssekaziga Arcade, Jessa Centre, Jambore Arcade, Tuba Plaza and Owino Market. A total of 1,841 verified traders will receive the financial assistance.

The allocation to FUTA comprises Shs682.5 million for operational expenses and Shs318 million as the government’s contribution to the association’s revolving fund. The approval comes after months of uncertainty over the promised financial assistance, as the government undertook the verification of traders affected by the floods.

The decision was reached during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Yoweri Museveni on November 9, 2026. In a separate decision, Cabinet approved the Board of Directors for the National Drug and Health Products Authority, which will regulate pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, diagnostics, public health chemicals and cosmetics.

Cabinet also authorised funding for the demarcation and reaffirmation of Uganda’s international and local government boundaries. The government has been working to support those affected by the floods, and the financial assistance is expected to help traders recover from their losses.

The government’s efforts to support affected traders and regulate the pharmaceutical industry demonstrate its commitment to promoting economic growth and protecting public health. The financial assistance will be disbursed to verified traders, providing them with much-needed support to recover from the devastating floods.

Key points

• The Ugandan government has approved Shs18.99 billion in financial assistance for 1,841 traders affected by floods in downtown Kampala.
• The floods, caused by heavy rains on October 30 and 31, 2025, destroyed merchandise and disrupted businesses in downtown Kampala.
• The financial assistance is part of a Shs20 billion package approved by Cabinet, with the remaining amount allocated to support the operations and revolving fund of the Federation of Uganda Traders Associations (FUTA).