The Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, held a dialogue with city arcade traders to address growing frustrations regarding escalating rent and electricity expenses in Kampala’s commercial centers.
The meeting, convened on Tuesday at Aponye Hotel, brought together leaders and members from the Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA), Uganda Traders and Entrepreneurs Association (UTEA), Kampala Arcade Traders Advocacy, and representatives from arcades such as 3Gs, NETA Uganda, and Tulazane Shoe Dealers.
During the discussions, participants highlighted challenges such as unapproved rent increases, lack of formal tenancy agreements, and inflated power bills. They also decried the practice of landlords disregarding the mandatory two-month notice before effecting rent changes as stipulated in the Landlord and Tenant Act, 2022.
Edward Ntale, Chairperson of UTEA, noted that many traders were under financial strain due to unfair treatment by some property owners.
“Some landlords hike rent abruptly and impose heavy electricity costs. In several arcades, traders who install Yaka meters to track their usage find them removed later,” he lamented. “We need safeguards and long-term solutions.”
In response, Hajjat Buzeki commended the traders for sharing their grievances and reaffirmed KCCA’s commitment to addressing their issues comprehensively.
“This initial engagement was to listen to your concerns before we approach landlords and relevant institutions,” she said. “KCCA will collaborate with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to resolve matters regarding rent, tenancy agreements, and access to prepaid power meters.”
She further emphasized KCCA’s continued engagement with all stakeholders to ensure transparency, fairness, and better working conditions for business operators in the city.
Other topics covered in the meeting included waste management and the need to enhance sanitation and orderliness within trading spaces.
Hajjat Buzeki urged traders to maintain unity and cooperation as KCCA continues to pursue balanced solutions that encourage business growth while ensuring compliance with city standards.
“Your enterprises form the backbone of Kampala’s economy. We want to foster an environment that allows traders to prosper while ensuring landlords operate within lawful and fair boundaries,” she concluded.
