Court halts KCCA vendor registration in St. Balikuddembe Market
Members of SSLOA, who claim to be the rightful landlords of the stalls and lock-up shops in the market, welcomed the court’s decision, saying it safeguards their property from what they describe as an unfair takeover.
A vendor goes bout her business in Owino (St. Balikuddembe) Market. (Credit: Moses Kigongo)
By Moses Kigongo
Journalists @New Vision
KAMPALA - The High Court in Kampala has issued a directive halting the ongoing registration of vendors in St. Balikuddembe Market (Owino).
The court’s decision comes after a petition was filed by members of the St. Balikuddembe Market Shops and Stalls Owners’ Association (SSLOA), who are seeking to block Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) from registering individuals as owners of stalls and lock-up shops within the market.
The association asked the court to stop the process until the determination of their main applications for an interim order and a temporary injunction.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, May 29, 2025, court ordered KCCA, along with its agents, employees, and any other individuals acting under its authority, to immediately cease the registration of new individuals as owners of stalls, spaces, or lock-up shops in the market until the court hears and disposes of the pending applications.
The court further directed that the status quo be maintained until the matters before it are fully resolved.
Members of SSLOA, who claim to be the rightful landlords of the stalls and lock-up shops in the market, welcomed the court’s decision, saying it safeguards their property from what they describe as an unfair takeover.
“We acquired this market legitimately and constructed stalls and shops using our own savings. It is unjust for KCCA to attempt to register these properties in the names of our tenants,” said Wilberforce Mubiru, spokesperson for SSLOA.
Dan Luswa, the association’s Director of Administration, also applauded the ruling, noting that it brings relief to landlords who have suffered emotional and psychological stress since KCCA took over management of the market.
The takeover was based on a presidential directive that dissolved existing vendor leadership structures.
KCCA responds to court order
In response to the court directive, KCCA spokesperson Daniel NuweAbine stated that the authority will comply with the ruling, emphasising that KCCA respects the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.
“We are committed to observing the court's directive. KCCA operates within the framework of the law and holds the judiciary in high regard,” NuweAbine said.