Landlord agrees to meet striking city traders over rent disputes

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The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Kampala, Umar Mawiya Lule, has brokered an agreement between prominent city landlord Tom Kitandwe and his tenants, who have been on strike over rent increases. Kitandwe has agreed to meet his tenants on Tuesday afternoon at the RDC's offices to address their concerns.

The decision was reached following a mediation meeting convened by the RDC on Monday morning, aimed at resolving the standoff between traders and Kitandwe, whom they accuse of violating the Landlord and Tenant Act by increasing rent beyond the legally permitted 10% annual cap.

The engagement, led by leaders of the United Arcades Traders and Entrepreneurs Association (UATEA) and the Kampala Arcades Advocacy Forum, saw the RDC personally call Kitandwe to discuss the matter. The landlord agreed to meet with his tenants at 12 noon on Tuesday to deliberate on the grievances raised.

Four days of protests

The development follows a four-day strike by traders operating in Gazaland, Galiraya, and Grand Corner Arcades, collectively referred to as the 3Gs, who closed their shops in protest of the rent hike. The traders say the increase, ranging from sh1.5 million to sh2 million, is unlawful and unjustified under current legislation.

Some of the traders expressing dissatisfaction during the meeting that was called by UATEA to forge a way forward following the increase of rent by their landlords. (Photo by Moses Kigongo)

“We are tired of landlords who arbitrarily hike rent without considering the financial strain we are under,” said Robert Tuherwe Kabushenga, a tenant at Gazaland Arcade.

In addition to rent issues, the traders have also voiced concerns about excessive electricity fees, with some reporting charges of up to sh400,000 per month, despite only using power for lighting.

“We don’t cook or iron in our shops. How does the landlord justify charging a flat fee of 400,000 shillings?” questioned Jack Mukasa, also known as Ssalongo Layisi, during a meeting held at Aponye Building and organised by UATEA. 

The traders further accused landlords of charging for services like garbage collection and toilet access, which should be covered under the trade license fees paid to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

“We pay KCCA to provide sanitation and garbage services. Why are we still paying landlords for the same services?” asked Annet Naiga, a tenant in one of the affected arcades.

Mark Kisuze, chairperson of phone dealers in the 3Gs, and Edward Ntale, chairperson of UATEA, also criticised the lack of adequate toilet facilities in the arcades, questioning how KCCA approves such building plans.

“How does KCCA approve buildings without basic amenities like toilets? Even small buildings in the suburbs offer better facilities at lower rents,” Ntale noted.

Represented by lawyer Robert Rutaro, the traders have resolved to take legal action against Kitandwe for allegedly breaching the Landlord and Tenant Act. They also vowed not to pay rent until their concerns are adequately addressed.

Paving way for resolution

Following Monday’s breakthrough, Francis Ddamulira, Secretary General of UATEA, expressed hope that the upcoming meeting would pave the way for a resolution.

“The fact that Kitandwe has agreed to meet his tenants is a significant step forward. It has been our position from the start that direct dialogue is the only way to resolve these issues,” Ddamulira said.

He added that the outcome of the meeting could lead to the reopening of shops and the resumption of business in the arcades, which have been closed since last Friday.

“What remains to be seen is whether the discussions will result in a resolution that allows our members to return to work and continue running their businesses peacefully.”