Govt pledges sh20b for Kampala flood-affected traders

KAMPALA - Kampala city traders whose businesses were devastated by floods on October 31, 2025, have regained hope after President Yoweri Museveni said the Government plans a shillings 20 billion fund for their losses.

The President made the pledge during a meeting with leaders of Kampala traders held in Kisozi, saying the matter is not subject to debate.

“We are going to go through that report. We have to compensate you because you made losses. There are no arguments about that,” the President said.

He made the remarks on December 16, 2025, while meeting leaders of traders at his Kisozi Farm in Gomba district. They were led by John Kabanda, president of the Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA).

President Museveni's remarks came in the wake of severe flooding that hit Kampala, worsening an already fragile situation along the Nakivubo Channel. Barely three weeks after the October 31 downpour, another heavy rainfall around November 19–20 caused fresh flash floods in low-lying parts of the city, including the Container Village and the Queensway interchange.

Traders claim to have lost property worth billions. Together with the city officials, they attributed the flooding to ongoing construction works along the Nakivubo Channel, which narrowed key drainage pathways.

Traders claim to have lost property worth billions. Together with the city officials, they attributed the flooding to ongoing construction works along the Nakivubo Channel, which narrowed key drainage pathways. (Credit: Emmanuel Ssekaggo)

Speaking after the meeting with President Museveni, FUTA chairperson John Kabanda on December 17 said President Museveni confirmed that the government will release shillings 20 billion as relief to traders whose goods were destroyed by floodwaters.

“The President informed us that the money will be disbursed in two phases. Our responsibility now is to collect and submit accurate information of all affected traders, including their bank account details, where the funds will be deposited,” Kabanda told the traders during a meeting at the association's offices in Kampala.

Kabanda thanked the President for the intervention but appealed for the funds to be released as soon as possible so that traders can recover before the end of this month.

FUTA spokesperson Moses Lwegaba urged members of the vetting committee tasked with identifying eligible beneficiaries to carry out the exercise transparently to ensure that all genuine victims benefit from the relief fund.

“There should be fairness and transparency in the verification process so that no affected trader is left out,” Lwegaba said.

During the discussions, it was suggested that the most affected traders be prioritised if the money comes. 

However, many traders rejected the idea, arguing that the funds should be shared equally since they all suffered losses.