Kampala traders, affected by floods, demand 20 billion shillings in compensation pledged by the government but not yet received.
A section of Kampala traders, whose businesses were devastated by floodwaters that inundated their shops and destroyed valuable merchandise, have expressed deep frustration over the government's failure to compensate them. The traders, who have been counting losses since the disaster struck, say they are tired of waiting for empty promises from authorities regarding financial relief. They are now demanding the immediate release of 20 billion shillings, which they claim was pledged to them but has never been disbursed.
The situation took a dramatic turn this morning when the aggrieved traders decided to take drastic action by marching to the official residence of the Kampala Minister, Minsa Kabanda, located in Kitebi, Rubaga. The traders had reportedly resolved to camp at the Minister's home until their grievances were addressed, viewing this as their last resort after weeks of unsuccessful appeals.
 However, their plans were met with stiff resistance from security forces who had been deployed to maintain order around the Minister's premises.
Police officers intercepted the group as they approached the Minister's residence, preventing them from reaching the gate.
 According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation quickly escalated as law enforcement officers used batons and force to disperse the crowd. Several traders sustained injuries during the scuffle, while others were arrested and taken into custody at Nateete Police Station for processing. The police have defended their actions, stating that the traders had no authorization to assemble near the Minister's home and that their presence posed a security risk.
In response to the police crackdown, the national leadership of the traders' associations has condemned the use of excessive force against what they described as a peaceful protest. They have criticized the government for prioritizing forceful dispersal over meaningful dialogue, arguing that the traders were only seeking what is rightfully theirs. The association leaders have now appealed to the central government to intervene urgently and ensure a just and transparent compensation process for all affected business owners, warning that continued inaction could lead to further unrest.
As of this evening, the Minister's office has not issued an official statement regarding the incident or the traders' demands. Meanwhile, the detained traders remain in police custody at Nateete, and calls from civil society groups for their release and a fair hearing are growing louder.
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