MPs see KCCA as accomplice in market demolition brutality

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Parliament’s oversight committee has sharply criticised the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for what lawmakers call discriminatory enforcement of the law, after a prominent businessman allegedly demolished part of St Balikuddembe Market (Owino) without permission while the authority continues to aggressively evict poor street vendors.

The remarks came during a heated COSASE (Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises) meeting on 18 March 2026, while reviewing the Auditor General’s December 2025 report on KCCA.

Leading the charge was committee chairperson Medard Ssegoona, who painted a vivid picture of heavy-handed raids on small traders contrasted with apparent leniency toward the powerful.“Your enforcement team would not even allow a woman carrying her child on her back to pick up her saucepan,” Ssegoona said.

The incident in question occurred on the night of 7 March 2026, when unidentified persons using excavators razed part of a structure along Ssebana Road at the edge of the Nakivubo Channel, a key area in the ongoing drainage rehabilitation project aimed at curbing Kampala’s perennial flooding.

Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi demanded that government explain the involvement of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in the demolition.

Nakawa East MP Ronald Balimwezo, and Kampala City Lord-Mayor elect described the incident as a “serious national matter” calling for institution of a select committee to establish accountability, citing testimonies by affected vendors and (lack of) evidence of prior notice.

KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi admitted to MPs that the demolition was carried out by businessman Hamis Kiggundu (commonly known as Ham) without any authorisation from the authority. Kigenyi confirmed the affected building sat “beside the channel” and that KCCA had no prior knowledge.

He revealed that Executive Director Hajat Sharifah Buzeki rushed to the scene around 4 a.m. on 8 March and personally halted further destruction. However, days later KCCA authorised complete demolition of the remaining structure, citing safety concerns after the partial collapse compromised its integrity.

Kigenyi defended the later move, stating that experts from KCCA and other agencies found the remaining buildings unsafe. He quoted requirements under the Building Control Act, 2013: “Any demolition requires a permit as prescribed under Section 34, including a village LC letter, proof of land ownership, demolition methodology, safety management plan, previously approved plans, supervising professionals and payment of fees.”

Section 34 of the Act explicitly prohibits carrying out any “building operation,”  which includes demolition, without a valid permit from the Building Committee.“ Where is the human face?.”

Ssegoona pressed Kigenyi on why KCCA had not immediately pursued legal action against Kiggundu, contrasting it with the authority’s swift evictions at Mengo Market, where vendors’ chapatis, charcoal stoves and tables were seized without warning. “What do you do when someone offends the law? I see you loading property belonging to very poor people. What happened to the human face that government is supposed to have?,” Ssegoona said.

Kigenyi responded that KCCA “will seek legal redress” against Kiggundu. But MPs, including Nathan Itungo (Kashari South), Elijah Okupa (Kasilo County), Gerald Nangoli (Elgon North) and Naome Kabasharira (Rushenyi County), expressed scepticism, questioning the apparent contradiction and demanding clarity on timelines and accountability.

No deaths were reported during the demolition.

Hamis Kiggundu has publicly claimed responsibility for the demolition, stating he compensated 48 affected traders with UGX 3 million each plus a promise of rent-free lock-up shops for one year in a planned new development linked to the Nakivubo Channel works.

However, separate court action has been filed: Namex Ministries Limited is suing Kiggundu, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, KCCA and others for alleged land grabbing and unlawful demolition, seeking UGX5 billion in damages.

Police arrested excavator operators on the night of the incident, and some suspects have been charged. The controversy comes amid long-running tensions over the Nakivubo Channel redevelopment, a flagship flood-control project.

Owino Market, Uganda’s largest second-hand clothing hub, has repeatedly clashed with city authorities over encroachments and redevelopment plans. Critics argue the episode exposes a troubling pattern of ruthless enforcement against informal vendors (who dominate Kampala’s economy) while powerful land grabbers-cum-developers appear to operate with impunity.

KCCA insists investigations are ongoing and that full demolition followed legal safety protocols. As of 18 March 2026, no charges have yet been filed specifically against Kiggundu by KCCA, though the authority has promised court action and traders continue pursuing civil remedies.

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