Politics 3 April 2026 Parliament of Uganda
KCCA Assures No Demolition Plans for Owino Market Amid MP Concerns
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki has assured Parliament that there are no plans to demolish the 55-year-old Owino Market, focusing instead on infrastructure upgrades. The commitment came during a COSASE committee session addressing trader anxieties sparked by media reports and land ownership issues. Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/index.php/news/4325/kcca-will-not-demolish-owino-market
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has firmly stated it will not demolish St. Balikuddembe Market, popularly known as Owino Market. This assurance followed concerns raised by Members of Parliament over the future of the ageing 55-year-old facility.
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki addressed the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) on March 27, 2026, chaired by Hon. Medard Sseggona. She was responding to queries from the Auditor General’s 2024/2025 report.
Buzeki emphasized that KCCA’s priority is rehabilitating the market’s infrastructure. “We plan improvements for the ageing structure and have no demolition intentions,” she said, noting consultations with traders on future designs if funding is secured.
Urgent repairs are needed in areas like the chicken and vegetable sections affected by leakages. Buzeki confirmed KCCA has assumed ownership of the market land from the former tenant, St. Balikuddembe Market Stalls, Space and Lock-ups Shop Owners Association (SSLOA).
MPs, including Hon. Richard Sebamala, expressed fears of private developer takeovers similar to Nakivubo Channel, questioning land ownership and acreage. Sseggona demanded documentation on the takeover process and any compensation paid.
Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi highlighted longstanding land disputes from SSLOA’s mismanagement during its tenure.
Source: Parliament of Uganda