Business owners in downtown Kampala were left in tears after heavy lunchtime rainfall caused serious flooding in different parts of the city, affecting arcades, shops, and businesses around the busy Nakivubo area. The sudden floods forced traders to rush in panic as water quickly entered buildings and destroyed merchandise worth millions of shillings.
The heavy downpour reportedly started during lunchtime and lasted for some time, overwhelming drainage channels and causing water to flow through roads, corridors, and business premises. Within minutes, several arcades in downtown Kampala were flooded as traders desperately tried to save goods from being carried away by the water.
Many business owners watched helplessly as floodwater soaked clothes, electronics, shoes, food items, and other merchandise inside shops. Some traders were seen using buckets, basins, and brooms to remove water from their stores while others struggled to rescue goods before further damage occurred.
The flooding once again exposed the persistent drainage challenges facing Kampala, especially in busy commercial areas around Nakivubo. Traders say this is not the first time heavy rainfall has caused destruction in the area, but many fear the situation is becoming worse with every rainy season.
Several roads in downtown Kampala became nearly impassable as floodwater covered streets and walkways. Pedestrians were forced to remove shoes or jump over dirty water while boda boda riders and motorists struggled to move through flooded sections of the city.
The floods reportedly affected business operations for several hours as customers avoided entering flooded buildings. Some traders decided to close shops early after realizing the water levels continued rising and that business activities could no longer continue normally.
Many affected traders expressed frustration and anger over the repeated flooding problem, accusing city authorities of failing to improve drainage systems despite years of complaints from business communities. Some said they have lost goods multiple times due to similar incidents.
According to some shop owners, the latest floods came at a very difficult time when businesses were already struggling with high rent, taxes, and reduced customer traffic. They explained that losing merchandise to floods could push some traders into serious financial hardship.
A number of traders claimed that blocked drainage channels and poor waste disposal continue worsening the flooding situation in Kampala. During heavy rains, water reportedly fails to flow properly because drainage systems are either blocked by garbage or too small to handle large volumes of water.
Others linked the flooding to ongoing developments around the Nakivubo area, saying some construction activities may have affected natural water flow and drainage pathways. The issue has now sparked fresh debate about urban planning and infrastructure management within the city.
People working in arcades described scenes of panic as water rapidly entered buildings. Some traders hurriedly lifted goods onto tables and shelves while others formed lines to scoop water out using containers in an attempt to reduce damage.
Customers who were inside some shopping buildings during the rainfall were also caught in confusion as floodwater spread through corridors and entrances. Several people reportedly got stranded temporarily while waiting for water levels to reduce.
Transport in parts of the city was heavily disrupted as vehicles moved slowly through flooded roads. Boda boda riders increased transport charges in some areas due to the difficult conditions, leaving many passengers stranded or forced to walk long distances.
The flooding also raised health concerns among residents and traders because the dirty water flowing through the city often mixes with sewage and waste. Some people feared possible outbreaks of diseases if proper cleaning and sanitation measures are not quickly carried out.
Environmental experts have repeatedly warned that Kampala’s rapid urban growth, poor drainage management, and wetland encroachment continue increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall. Many believe urgent long-term solutions are needed to prevent repeated disasters.
Business communities are now calling upon the Kampala Capital City Authority to urgently address drainage problems in downtown Kampala before more businesses suffer further losses. Traders say temporary responses are no longer enough.
Some affected shop owners are demanding compensation or support from authorities, arguing that repeated flooding continues destroying businesses that contribute significantly to the city’s economy. Others are calling for regular maintenance of drainage channels to prevent blockages.
Residents and traders also expressed concern about the emotional stress caused by such disasters. Several people said it is painful to invest money into businesses only to watch goods destroyed within minutes because of flooding that could potentially be prevented.
Social media was quickly flooded with photos and videos showing water flowing through shops, roads, and arcades in downtown Kampala. Many Ugandans online shared sympathy messages with affected traders while others criticized poor urban drainage systems.
Despite the destruction, some traders remained hopeful that city authorities would finally take serious action after the latest floods. Many believe Kampala needs stronger drainage infrastructure, better waste management, and improved urban planning to protect businesses and residents from future flooding disasters.
As cleanup efforts continue across affected areas, traders are now counting losses and trying to recover damaged merchandise. For many business owners, the heavy lunchtime rainfall did not just interrupt work — it brought fresh tears, financial pain, and uncertainty about the future of their businesses.
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