Traders at St. Balikudembe Market, popularly known as Owino Market, woke up on Sunday morning to a shocking scene.
A section of the bustling commercial hub had been mysteriously demolished overnight by unidentified individuals.
According to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the incident occurred at around 10:00 p.m. on the night of March 7, 2026.
Unidentified people reportedly stormed a structure forming part of the market and brought it down using heavy machinery. KCCA emphasized that the demolition was done without any authorization from the city authority.
The affected structure is situated at the boundary of the market along Nakivubo Channel on Sebana Road in downtown Kampala.
The Authority revealed that the demolition was conducted under the cover of darkness and without the required permit, describing the act as reckless and a blatant violation of regulations governing public infrastructure.
The destroyed structure is part of a public market that supports thousands of traders who depend on it for their daily livelihoods.
KCCA confirmed that it is working closely with other government agencies to assess the extent of the damage and salvage what remains of the building.
Efforts are also underway to determine who ordered and financed the demolition.
Police have already arrested the operators of two machines that were allegedly used in bringing down the structure.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to identify the individuals responsible for this unlawful destruction of public property.
Officials have vowed that those found responsible will face legal action and be held accountable for their actions.
Meanwhile, traders at Owino Market remain anxious, uncertain about the fate of the affected section of the market.
KCCA has assured the public that measures will be taken to restore normalcy and ensure traders can resume their business activities safely.
The Authority also warned the public against engaging in unauthorized demolitions, emphasizing that strict legal actions will follow any violations.
Local residents expressed shock and disappointment at the incident, noting that such actions disrupt the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
Some traders reported that they had received no prior notice about the demolition, leaving them unprepared and confused.
Market officials highlighted the importance of maintaining public structures, noting that Owino Market is a critical hub for commerce in downtown Kampala.
Authorities are calling for vigilance and cooperation from the public to assist in identifying those involved in the destruction.
KCCA said it will continue to work with law enforcement and other relevant agencies to ensure that public infrastructure is protected from illegal activities.
The market community is hopeful that swift action will be taken to rebuild the destroyed section and prevent similar incidents in the future.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on accountability and restoring confidence among traders who rely on Owino Market for their livelihoods.
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