Traders operating from a commercial building in a slum area within Kampala Central Division have finally found relief. After years of suffering under an absentee landlord, authorities have moved to suspend the Indian landlord, Tripat, from managing the property. A special Authority session was convened today to address the long-standing disputes.
The building, constructed 15 years ago by an Indian national identified as Tripat, was initially developed as a condominium. Tripat sold 35% of the building units to various people but retained ownership of the remaining 65%. However, problems began when he reportedly converted the building's management structure without clear title transfers, leaving many buyers in legal limbo after paying for their units.
"We have finally taken action. The landlord has been suspended from managing this property for the next 90 days. During this period, an interim leadership committee of the traders will take full responsibility for running the building, including security and utilities. After 90 days, fresh leadership elections will be held."
The traders have long complained of being extorted for illegal fees, including management fees, electricity, water, sanitation, and security charges, despite many having already paid for their units in full. Today’s intervention followed repeated pleas from the tenants.
The sitting was held in the building’s own parking lot and was attended by a strong security presence, including RCC Umar Mawiya, police officers from Kampala, and the President of the Uganda National Traders’ Federation, John Kabanda.
John Kabanda, President, Uganda National Traders’ Federation):
"I want to thank the security forces for honoring our invitation to help resolve these issues. My message to other landlords in Kampala is this: stop harassing traders. The issue of illegal electricity and sanitation charges, where traders have been overcharged for years, must stop immediately."
The Chairperson of the traders at the building explained the painful history of their struggle, describing years of unresolved disputes and fruitless negotiations with Tripat.
Hajjat Fatumah Katongole, Assistant to the RCC Kampala Central):
"I have also witnessed some of the grievances raised here today. It is clear there has been a lot of suffering."
Some of the traders who bought units in the building spoke to our reporter on camera, expressing their relief.
"The Indian landlord has been issuing us with occupancy permits even though he had no legal right to claim further payments from us. But today, God has answered our prayers. They have finally stripped him of his powers over us. They have removed his signage and his control."
With the landlord now suspended and an interim trader committee taking over management, the long-suffering occupants of this Kampala building say they can finally see light at the end of the tunnel.
