KAMPALA – The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has stepped into a growing conflict between city arcade traders and landlords over escalating operational costs, illegal rent hikes, and disputed electricity charges.
The intervention was spearheaded by the KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, who met with a coalition of frustrated traders on Tuesday at Aponye Hotel in Kampala. The meeting assembled representatives from major trade bodies, including the Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA), the Uganda Traders and Entrepreneurs Association (UTEA), and the Kampala Arcade Traders Advocacy, alongside business owners from arcades such as 3Gs, NETA Uganda, and Tulazane Shoe Dealers.
During the engagement, traders highlighted a range of unfair practices threatening their livelihoods. A primary concern was the failure of some landlords to adhere to the Landlord and Tenant Act 2022, which mandates a two-month notice period before any rent increment.
Edward Ntale, the Chairperson of UTEA, voiced the collective struggle, stating, “Landlords are increasing rent without notice and charging us exorbitant electricity bills.” He revealed an even more contentious issue: “In some arcades, when traders install Yaka meters to monitor their usage, the meters are removed. We need protection and lasting solutions.”
Other grievances included a lack of formal tenancy agreements and general concerns about arcade maintenance and waste management.
In response, Hajjat Buzeki assured the traders of the city authority’s commitment to finding a practical and lasting resolution. She explained that the meeting was a first step to fully understand the challenges before engaging the other side.
“We shall work closely with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to address the issues of rent, tenancy agreements, and access to prepaid Yaka meters,” the Executive Director stated.
Emphasizing a balanced approach, Hajjat Buzeki pledged that KCCA would continue dialogues with all parties, including landlords and relevant government ministries, to ensure fairness, transparency, and improved working conditions.
“Your businesses are the heartbeat of Kampala’s economy. We are committed to creating an environment where traders can thrive and landlords can operate within fair and legal frameworks,” she added.
The meeting concluded with a call for unity among traders as KCCA champions a mediated solution that supports both business growth and compliance with city regulations.
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