Affected Totala traders demand compensation as flood losses take toll

13 June 2026, 8:48 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Some traders operating from Totala Business Centre in Kampala, whose businesses were devastated by floods, have renewed their call for government compensation, saying they have exhausted all options and can no longer wait.

The traders, who claim to have lost goods worth millions of shillings when floodwaters entered their shops, appealed to the relevant authorities to fulfil a compensation pledge reportedly made by President Yoweri Museveni.

Speaking to journalists today, the traders expressed frustration over the delay and warned that they may be forced to stage a peaceful demonstration if government fails to respond to their concerns.

One of the affected traders, Sebanakita Muhammad, said they have waited long enough since government officials promised compensation.

“Honestly, we are disappointed. If the President released the money worth 20 billion shillings, why has it not reached the people who were affected? When this disaster happened, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, visited us and assured us that government would compensate us. The landlord has never stopped demanding rent, yet our goods were completely destroyed by the floods. We are appealing to government to give us our money,” he said.

Another trader, Herman Kavuma, attributed the delay to what he described as conflicts of interest among some leaders.

“My name is Herman Kavuma, the trader who appeared in a video being assaulted by goons. We have talked enough. We have visited the Federation of Uganda Traders Associations (FUTA), and its president has always asked us to remain patient. We have been patient for too long. If those responsible do not act, we shall organize a peaceful demonstration because we need this compensation,” he said.

The traders’ leader at Totala Business Centre, Kakama Sharif, said pressure from the affected traders continues to mount and that leaders are struggling to manage the situation. His remarks were echoed by Grace, another trader who suffered losses during the floods.

Meanwhile, Yusuf Ssesabagala, a resident of Bunamwaya in Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, has appealed to the Prime Minister, the Minister for Kampala, FUTA President John Kabanda, and other leaders to help save his home from being taken over by a money lender.

Ssesabagala said he obtained a loan of 80 million shillings last year, which he invested in purchasing clothes for sale at Totala Business Centre. However, following the flood disaster, he failed to service the loan.

“I borrowed 80 million shillings from a money lender and invested it in my business. Today, the lender wants to take my house, claiming that the loan has accumulated to 160 million shillings. Yet I believe the balance should be around 65 million shillings. As you can see from the markings on the wall, they are preparing to take my property,” he said.

He added that he has unsuccessfully sought help from various leaders.

“I have tried to meet the Prime Minister without success. Whenever I go to FUTA offices, I fail to find the president. I am now appealing to anyone who can help. When the President promised compensation, I hoped it would help me clear some of my debts. My children are no longer in school because I cannot afford the fees,” he added.

His wife, Najjemba Afua, said the family’s situation has become unbearable.

“I no longer sleep peacefully because I am worried about losing our home. I appeal to anyone who can help to come to our rescue,” she said.

The affected traders are now urging government to expedite the compensation process, saying the continued delay is worsening their financial hardships.