President of the National Unity Platform, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has expressed sympathy to traders in Kampala’s downtown area who were affected by heavy flooding following a strong downpour.
The opposition leader shared his message of support after many traders reported losses caused by floods that swept through several streets in the city. The floods followed heavy rains that fell across different parts of Kampala on Friday.
According to reports from traders, the sudden rainfall quickly filled drainage channels and flooded roads, forcing many businesses to temporarily close. Water entered several shops, damaging merchandise and making it difficult for traders to continue operating.
Bobi Wine said he was deeply saddened by the situation and expressed solidarity with the affected business community. He noted that many traders in downtown Kampala depend on their daily sales to support their families.
The opposition leader said the floods are becoming a recurring problem in the city and that urgent solutions are needed to protect traders and residents from future disasters.
Many traders said they woke up hoping for a normal business day, only to find their shops surrounded by rising water. In some areas, the water levels rose quickly, forcing shop owners to rush and remove goods before they were damaged.
Some traders reported that clothes, electronics, and other merchandise were soaked in water after floods entered their shops. Others said they had no choice but to temporarily close their businesses as they tried to clean up the mess left behind.
Bobi Wine said such situations highlight the daily struggles faced by ordinary Ugandans trying to earn a living in the city. He noted that small traders are among the most vulnerable when disasters like floods occur.
He added that traders contribute significantly to the economy of Kampala and the country at large. Because of this, he said they deserve better protection and infrastructure from authorities.
In his message, Bobi Wine also called for better urban planning and improved drainage systems to prevent frequent flooding in the city.
Over the years, several areas of Kampala have experienced flooding whenever heavy rains fall. Residents often blame blocked drainage channels, poor urban planning, and rapid development for worsening the problem.
Traders in downtown Kampala said the floods not only affect their businesses but also disrupt transportation. Roads become difficult to use, and customers are unable to access shops.
Some traders described the situation as frustrating because it happens repeatedly whenever it rains heavily. They say they lose money each time floods damage their goods.
Bobi Wine encouraged affected traders to remain strong despite the difficult situation. He acknowledged that many people have already suffered financial losses due to the floods.
He also urged leaders responsible for city management to take the matter seriously and find long-term solutions to the flooding problem.
Residents say some drainage systems in Kampala are blocked by garbage and debris, preventing water from flowing freely during heavy rains.
Others argue that rapid construction in the city has reduced natural water channels, making it easier for rainwater to accumulate in certain areas.
Bobi Wine said addressing the flooding problem will require cooperation between government agencies, city authorities, and the public.
He also called on authorities to support traders who lost property during the floods, saying that many small business owners operate with limited capital.
For many traders, even a single day of business disruption can have serious financial consequences, especially for those who rely on daily sales to restock their goods.
As clean-up efforts continue in downtown Kampala, affected traders hope that stronger measures will be taken to prevent similar flooding in the future.
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