KCCA officials adopted a firm and composed stance before Parliament on Wednesday, defending the swift action that halted an unauthorized demolition at Owino Market and reaffirming their commitment to restoring order in the capital.
Appearing before the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises, a delegation from Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), led by Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, clarified that the March 7 demolition had not been approved by the authority.
“By the time this happened, KCCA was not aware and had not granted any authorization,” Kigenyi told the committee.
He explained that the authority responded promptly. Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki rushed to the site in the early hours of the following day and immediately stopped the works.
“The Executive Director was on site at 4 a.m. on March 8 and halted the demolition,” Kigenyi noted, adding that a committee was quickly established, with findings compiled and formalized into a report by March 12.
The report, prepared by experts from KCCA, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and State House, concluded that the affected structures had already been weakened, posing serious safety risks to traders and the public, and requiring a controlled and lawful demolition of the remaining sections.
“We issued a demolition permit to the developer to ensure that the structurally compromised buildings were brought down safely and in a regulated manner,” the report stated.
Authorities have since apprehended four individuals linked to the incident and confiscated equipment used during the operation, actions that lawmakers viewed as a demonstration of enforcement.
Busiro East MP Medard Ssegona commended the Executive Director for her quick intervention in stopping the illegal demolition.
“She was proactive and moved at night despite the risks to stop the demolition,” Ssegona said.
Lawmakers also recognized KCCA’s broader efforts across the city. Workers MP Charles Bakabulindi praised the authority for restoring order in trade operations, while Rushenyi County MP Naume Kabasharara welcomed ongoing infrastructure developments.
“We appreciate that roads are being worked on,” she said.
Ssegona further highlighted improvements in traffic flow, noting that the Kampala Flyover project has enhanced movement within the city.
On compensation matters, Kigenyi reported steady progress following the Kiteezi Landfill disaster. Out of 95 affected individuals earmarked for compensation from the allocated 4.3 billion shillings, 93 have already received payment.
“One beneficiary is out of the country and another has unresolved bank details,” Kigenyi explained.
Addressing flooding challenges, Kigenyi revealed that KCCA has developed a comprehensive drainage master plan, though it remains unfunded. In the meantime, the authority is managing high-risk areas through dredging and desilting activities.
He also acknowledged temporary traffic disruptions caused by ongoing road upgrades, noting that only about 700 kilometers of Kampala’s 2,104-kilometer road network are currently paved, a gap the authority is working to address.
Overall, the tone of the session reflected recognition that KCCA responded swiftly to the crisis, regained control of the situation, and continues to push forward efforts to improve both the city and its operational systems.
