Kampala Traders who suffered losses when foods destroyed their merchandise finally have a case to smile as Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja occurred ministry of finance to release their said compensation funds.
This follows a closed meeting convened by the Prime Minister with the traders’ leaders and the verification committee at her office today, September 14, 2026.In the meeting they agreed to pay a total of 1,849 traders and the money will be paid through their account.
The Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA) John Kabanda who briefed reporters about the outcome of the meeting declined to reveal how much each individual will receive basing on the magnitude of the loss.
“ We are happy at last now that the Prime has sanctioned the payment of traders who suffered losses when floods destroyed their merchandise. However, there’re about 200 left out because the Internal Security Organization(ISO) that was given the mandate to verify the building and individual victims’ left out six out of the 20 that FUTA had verified,’’ Kabanda said.
Kabanda added, “we understand the difficulties you have been going through. Many of you do not have money to take your children to school, buy food, or pay rent. Some traders have already been forced to vacate their shops because of these challenges,”
Traders had organized a peaceful demonstration on Tuesday September 15,2006 but Kabanda calmed them down since they have been told to wait for their money for only two weeks and funds will be on their individual registered registered accounts
Lwegamba Moses the Spokesperson of FUTA says, ”as traders in futa, we verified 21 buildings in total, including Owino. The ISO team had verified 13 buildings, but they have now presented a list covering 14 buildings, with Owino having been concluded.”
This leaves six buildings pending verification and consideration. These include Original Shauriyako Dagala Shauriyako Moke Plaza Ziba Arcade Farmers Center and Palm Shopping Grounds
The government has indicated that these six buildings are still under review an research and a committee have been established to handle the outstanding issues and determine the way forward.
“We have been assured that within approximately three weeks, there should be a positive response regarding these pending buildings,” Lwegaba said.
”We truly understand your suffering and frustration. However, we humbly ask all traders to listen to us as your leaders.”
If you proceed with a demonstration at this time, the authorities and officials may think that we, as your leaders, are the ones encouraging or pushing you to demonstrate. This could make it more difficult for us to resolve the situation.
Kabanda argued traders to remain patient and hold on for now as his committee engage verification committee to ensure that every body whose affected receive the money that he/she is supposed to get.
“We will continue working hand in hand with you and the relevant authorities until this matter is resolved to your satifaction,” he said.
