KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki has assured Parliament that there are no plans to demolish the 55-year-old Owino Market, focusing instead on infrastructure upgrades.
The commitment came during a COSASE committee session addressing Auditor General’s report queries and trader anxieties fueled by media reports.
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has firmly stated it will not demolish St. Balikuddembe Market, popularly known as Owino Market. This assurance addressed fears raised by Members of Parliament over the future of the ageing 55-year-old facility.
KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki gave the clarification while appearing before the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE), chaired by Hon. Medard Sseggona.
The session on March 27, 2026, focused on issues from the Auditor General’s 2024/2025 report.
Buzeki emphasized that KCCA’s priority is enhancing the market’s infrastructure. “Our strategic plans do not include demolition. We are engaging traders on potential developments, including designs,” she stated, highlighting urgent fixes for leaking areas like the chicken and vegetable sections.
KCCA has also secured full ownership of the market land from the previous tenant, St. Balikuddembe Market Stalls, Space and Lock-ups Shop Owners Association (SSLOA).
MPs, including Hon. Richard Sebamala, voiced trader fears of private developer takeovers, similar to past cases. Sebamala questioned land ownership and acreage.
Chairperson Sseggona demanded documentation on the land takeover and any compensation provided.
Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi noted longstanding disputes from SSLOA’s mismanagement during its tenure.
