Two arrested after night demolition at Owino Market

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Authorities have arrested two machine operators after a section of St Balikudembe Market in Kampala was illegally demolished late Saturday night, according to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

In a statement issued on Sunday (March 8), KCCA condemned the demolition, saying it was carried out without the city authority’s approval and under the cover of darkness.

The incident occurred at about 10:00 p.m. on March 7 when unidentified individuals used bulldozers to tear down a structure at the boundary of the market near the Nakivubo Channel on Ssebaana Road.

“At approximately 10:00 pm, persons yet to be identified descended upon a structure forming part of St. Balikudembe Market and demolished it without authorisation,” KCCA said in the statement.

KCCA stressed that no demolition permit had been issued for the structure, describing the act as reckless and unlawful.

“This reckless demolition, carried out under the cover of darkness, was done without obtaining a demolition permit from the City Authority,” KCCA said.

Officials said the city authority is now working with other government agencies to assess the damage, salvage what remains of the structure, and identify those responsible for the destruction.

“KCCA, in collaboration with sister agencies, is actively working to salvage what remains of the structure and ensure that those responsible for this destruction of a public good are brought to book,” the statement added.

Police have since arrested the operators of the two machines that were used in the demolition. Investigations are ongoing to establish who ordered the operation.

KCCA also distanced itself from the demolition, emphasising that it had not sanctioned any removal of structures at the market.

St Balikudembe Market, popularly known as Owino Market, is one of the largest and busiest markets in Uganda, employing thousands of traders and attracting shoppers from across the country.

The market has for years been at the centre of disputes involving ownership, management and redevelopment plans. Several attempts to redevelop the market have previously triggered legal battles, court injunctions and tensions among traders.