A section of St Balikudembe Market, popularly known as Owino-along Sebana Road in Kampala was demolished overnight by yet to be identified people without a permit from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), sparking online outrage and fresh concerns about public space encroachment.
Police are said to have arrested operators of the two excavators deployed at the site at around 10pm on Saturday.
Officials from KCCA labeled it reckless destruction while rushing to salvage the remains.
“At approximately 10:00 p.m, in the night of 7th March 2026, persons yet to be identified descended upon a structure forming part of St. Balikudembe Market, located at the boundary of Nakivubo Channel along Sebana Road, and demolished it without authorisation. This reckless demolition, carried out under the cover of darkness, was done without obtaining demolition permit from the City Authority,” reads part of the Sunday statement issued by KCCA.
KCCA said is collaborating with sister agencies to salvage what remains of the structure and ensure that those responsible for the destruction are brought to book.
Operators of the two machines which were being used to demolish have been arrested by the police and investigations into the matter have commenced.
Online accusations point to businessman Hamis Kiggundu due to his past disputes over nearby developments and unapproved projects along the Nakivubo Channel, although no confirmation has emerged.
However, the incident highlights ongoing tensions between small traders and big developers in Kampala’s crowded real estate landscape.