The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has stated that it has no intention of demolishing St. Balikuddembe Market, widely known as Owino Market. This clarification follows concerns raised by Members of Parliament regarding the future of the 55-year-old market.
KCCA Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, provided this assurance while appearing before the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) to address issues arising from the Auditor General’s report for the 2024/2025 financial year. The meeting was chaired by Medard Sseggona on Friday, 27 March 2026.
Buzeki explained that KCCA’s priority is to upgrade and rehabilitate the market’s infrastructure rather than tear it down.
“We intend to improve the market because it is ageing; our strategic plans do not include demolishing Owino as has been claimed. We have engaged traders and informed them that if funding for redevelopment is secured, they will be involved, including in decisions on design and structure,” she said.
She pointed out several sections that urgently require repairs, especially areas affected by leakages.
“There are many sections that need attention. The poultry section is leaking, the vegetable section, among others, also requires improvement. For now, we can undertake immediate repairs that cannot wait for the larger redevelopment,” she added.
Buzeki further disclosed that KCCA has since assumed ownership of the market land from the former tenant, St. Balikuddembe Market Stalls, Space and Lock-ups Shop Owners Association (SSLOA). The concerns from legislators stemmed from recent media reports about the demolition of parts of the market, which they said had caused panic among traders.
Richard Sebamala expressed fears that traders are worried about a possible takeover by private developers.
“Owino traders are now anxious that the market could eventually be handed over to private developers, similar to what happened with Nakivubo Channel. Is there any plan in your strategy to remove Owino Market?” Sebamala asked, adding, “Do we still own the land? What is the total size of the land on which Owino sits?”
Committee Chairperson Medard Sseggona noted that the committee had received numerous complaints from traders seeking reassurance from KCCA. He directed the Authority to present documentation proving ownership of the market land and whether due process was followed during its acquisition.
“As an institution responsible for safeguarding public interest, we are raising valid concerns about land ownership. If you took over the land, did you compensate the former tenant? If so, provide evidence,” Sseggona said.
Yusuf Nsibambi added that disputes over the Owino land have existed for a long time, tracing them back to the tenure of the former market operator, SSLOA, which he said exceeded its mandate and poorly managed the facility.
