Business 14 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kabale Rent Skyrockets After Trade Order Demolitions
A government trade order in Kabale, enforcing the demolition of temporary and dilapidated structures, has led to a surge in commercial rents, forcing many tenants to face eviction and uncertainty about their businesses. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/trade-order-pushes-up-rent-in-kabale-as-tenants-face-eviction-5459160
Kabale Municipality is experiencing a significant increase in commercial rents following a recent government directive that targeted temporary and dilapidated business structures. The enforcement of this trade order, designed to regulate urban trading and clear public spaces, has intensified the demand for available business premises.
Traders are now finding themselves in precarious situations, with some reporting abrupt eviction notices and substantial rent hikes. John Mutembi, a shop owner, recounted being asked to vacate his premises despite having paid rent in advance. His landlady, he discovered, intended to rent the space out at double the previous rate.
Similarly, boutique owner Jackline Kyomuhendo faces an increased rent of Shs250,000 from Shs150,000, with only two weeks to comply or leave. She noted that many landlords are capitalizing on the situation, driven by pressure from displaced traders seeking new locations.
Local leaders, including LC1 chairperson Ivan Beigumamu, acknowledge the rent increases, attributing them directly to the demolitions. He confirmed that rents for both residential and commercial units have seen substantial rises, with commercial spaces jumping from Shs150,000 to around Shs220,000, alongside other rising costs.
Kabale’s Deputy Town Clerk, Eric Sunday, has cautioned landlords against renovating structures marked for demolition and stressed the importance of adhering to legal procedures for rent adjustments and evictions. He warned that illegally renovated buildings would still be demolished.