Ham Breaks Silence on Owino Demolition: “We Paid Shs3m Each and Will Build New Shops”

City businessman Hamis Kiggundu confirms 48 traders were compensated Shs3 million each before the Owino building demolition. Promises modern lock-ups with one-year rent-free stay as KCCA launches investigation.

City businessman Hamis Kiggundu has dismissed claims of unfair eviction following the Saturday night demolition of a commercial building at St Balikuddembe Market (Owino), revealing that affected traders not only received cash payouts but have also been promised prime space in a upcoming modern complex.

Speaking for the first time since the controversial operation along Sebana Road, Kiggundu popularly known as Ham detailed a compensation package that he says was finalized before the first brick fell. According to the property developer, each of the 48 traders operating within the demolished structure walked away with Shs3 million to facilitate relocation and stock movement.

“Beyond the financial support for relocation, we have made a binding commitment to allocate each affected trader a lock-up in the new modern shops we are planning to erect,” Kiggundu revealed. “They will operate there for an entire year without paying a single shilling in rent.”The clarification comes amid heightened tension at the bustling market, where Saturday’s demolition initially sparked protests from traders who claimed their livelihoods had been extinguished overnight.

However, some affected vendors have now come forward to corroborate Kiggundu’s assertions.Robert Mukalazi, whose lock-up was reduced to rubble, confirmed that the majority of occupants had already received their dues. “We were many, but most of us have gotten the money, and we have faith in the promise of new spaces once construction is complete,” he stated. Fellow trader Mahad Ssali acknowledged the disruption to business but verified that compensation had indeed been disbursed.

Courtesy

Kiggundu framed the redevelopment as a necessary public good, arguing that the Nakivubo Channel corridor had degenerated into both an environmental hazard and a security nightmare. “Uganda needs such steps to progress, regardless of political differences. Nakivubo had become a criminal hideout and a garbage dump, this required urgent intervention,” he asserted.He further linked the project to regional football ambitions, disclosing that Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials had flagged the open drainage channels around Nakivubo Stadium as an impediment to international certification. “We cannot host continental matches with open sewers near the stadium. This is about meeting standards,” he added.

Hamis Kiggundu

Meanwhile, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) finds itself in a delicate position. While spokesperson Daniel NuweAbiine confirmed that the demolition was conducted without a permit “in reckless disregard of the law” the authority also acknowledged that Kiggundu holds an approved redevelopment plan for the corridor.

KCCA has since referred the matter to Police for investigation, with NuweAbiine assuring that calm has returned to the market. “The situation is under control, and we await findings from the authorities,” he said.

As the dust settles on Sebana Road, the contrasting narratives highlight the growing tension between urban renewal ambitions and the rights of small-scale traders a balancing act that will shape Kampala’s future landscape.