Uganda Government Orders Closure of Basement Shops in City Arcades

The Ugandan government has ordered the immediate closure of basement shops in city arcades, citing flood risks. This directive was issued by Cabinet after reviewing findings into the causes of flooding that damaged traders' businesses in Kampala last November. The decision aims to address some of the identified causes of flooding and protect businesses and traders from similar losses in the future.

According to Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, architectural plans approved by the Kampala Capital City Authority allow building owners to construct basements strictly for parking purposes, not commercial spaces for rent. Traders who fail to comply with the directive should not expect government assistance in the event of similar disasters, Lumumba warned.

The flooding in Kampala last November affected 1,841 traders, and the government has approved 18 billion shillings in compensation for those affected. The Cabinet has also directed the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Works and Transport, KCCA, and the Ministry of Water and Environment to develop a comprehensive work plan to address the flooding challenge within one month.

Investigations into the flooding found that interference with stormwater drainage systems by some property developers along Ssebaana and Allen roads, as well as the blockage of drainage outlets leading into the Nakivubo Channel by silt, were among the contributing factors. The government aims to strengthen efforts to protect businesses and traders from similar losses in the future.

The directive to close basement shops in city arcades is part of the government's efforts to address the flooding challenge in Kampala. Building owners who have been renting out basements as commercial spaces will need to find alternative uses for these spaces, such as parking, as stipulated in the approved architectural plans.

The government has emphasized the importance of compliance with the directive, warning that traders who fail to vacate the basement shops will not be eligible for government assistance in the event of future disasters. This move is expected to reduce the risk of flooding in the city and protect traders and businesses from similar losses.

The comprehensive work plan to address the flooding challenge is expected to be presented to Cabinet within one month. The plan will aim to address the root causes of flooding in Kampala and provide long-term solutions to mitigate the impact of future floods on traders and businesses in the city.

Key points

• The Ugandan government has ordered the immediate closure of basement shops in city arcades due to flood risks, and traders who fail to comply will not be eligible for government assistance.