By Nasser Kayanja
Traders operating in arcades across the main business district of Kampala have threatened to close their businesses if the government fails to address their demands for compensation following repeated flooding that has affected their operations.
The affected group includes vendors, hawkers and shop owners who say their businesses have suffered heavy losses after three consecutive flooding incidents in the city’s trading areas. The traders attribute the problem to what they describe as poorly planned reconstruction works on the Nakivubo Channel.
They also accuse city businessman Hamis Kiggundu of continuing construction activities that they claim are worsening the drainage challenges in the area and disrupting business.
According to the traders, government authorities have failed to effectively address the situation or resolve disputes surrounding the developments along the channel. They say repeated promises of compensation have not been fulfilled, leaving many businesses struggling to recover from the damage caused by the floods.
The traders have now warned that they will close their shops on the 25th of this month if their concerns are not addressed.
They have further appealed to the President to intervene and ensure that government agencies, including Kampala Capital City Authority and Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited, as well as relevant ministries, take responsibility and ensure that their officials respond effectively to the concerns of affected business owners.