Traders at St. Balikuddembe Market in Kampala woke up to shock and confusion on Sunday after a section of the busy market was mysteriously demolished during the night.
The market, popularly known as Owino, is one of Uganda’s largest and most vibrant commercial centers, hosting thousands of traders dealing in clothes, food, electronics, and other household goods. For many vendors, it is the main source of income for their families, making any disruption to the market
Heavy machinery was used to tear down part of the market structures under unclear circumstances. Police later arrested the operators of two machines suspected to have carried out the demolition as investigations began to establish who ordered the operation and whether it was authorized.
The incident has raised serious questions among traders and city residents, particularly because the demolition was carried out overnight when most vendors had already closed their stalls. Such timing has fueled speculation that the action may have been intended to avoid resistance from traders who normally operate in large numbers during the day.
Authorities from the Uganda Police Force have described the destruction as a possible case of unlawful damage to property and say investigations are underway to identify those responsible. Officials are also expected to determine whether the demolition had approval from the Kampala Capital City Authority, which oversees planning and development within the city.
Owino Market has a long history of disputes involving redevelopment plans, land ownership, and market management, issues that have occasionally created tension between traders, developers, and authorities. Because of this background, the sudden demolition has revived concerns that there could be underlying conflicts linked to control or future development of the market.
For now, many traders are demanding transparency and accountability, saying they want to know who authorized the destruction and what plans, if any, exist for the affected section of the market.
As investigations continue, the incident has once again highlighted the importance of clear communication and lawful procedures when dealing with major commercial centers that support the livelihoods of thousands of Ugandans.
