news 16 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Kampala Traders Await Shs20 Billion Compensation for Flood Damage
Kampala traders are expressing deep frustration over the prolonged delay in receiving Shs20 billion in compensation for property lost during severe floods in October 2025. The government has set a two-week deadline to finalize verification of affected individuals. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/city-floods-traders-bitter-over-delayed-shs20b-compensation-5597990
Traders in Kampala are growing increasingly impatient as they await the disbursement of Shs20 billion allocated by the government as compensation for extensive property damage caused by severe floods in October 2025. The heavy rains that year submerged many business premises, leading to significant financial losses for numerous traders.
Despite the initial announcement of the compensation fund, the verification process for affected traders has been a lengthy one. Initially, over 2,000 traders registered their losses, but only a fraction, 737, were first verified. The government now states that a total of 1,849 traders have been cleared for compensation.
Officials from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) have recently announced a two-week ultimatum to complete the final verification stage. This move aims to expedite the process and begin the payout to those who suffered losses. The compensation plan was initiated following directives from President Yoweri Museveni after a meeting with trader representatives and government officials.
This situation has created considerable bitterness among the trading community, many of whom have struggled to recover from the financial blow of the floods. The delay in compensation has exacerbated their difficulties, highlighting the urgent need for swift action from the authorities.