Kampala, Uganda – Frustrated traders in downtown Kampala, whose businesses were devastated by devastating floods last year, have intensified demands for the immediate release of Shs20 billion in compensation that President Yoweri Museveni personally pledged and realised to them.
The traders, mainly operating in arcades and shops around the Nakivubo Channel area, lost millions of shillings worth of merchandise when heavy rains caused massive flooding on October 31, 2025.
Following the disaster, a delegation of affected traders met President Museveni at his Kisozi farm, where he directed the government to provide Shs20 billion as ex-gratia support to help them recover.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), was tasked with overseeing the process. The government later confirmed that the funds had been secured and the disbursement process was underway based on a verified list of beneficiaries.
However, months later, many traders claim they are yet to receive a single shilling, prompting growing anger and accusations of delays within the Prime Minister’s office.
Speaking to journalists, leaders of the affected traders said they have repeatedly petitioned the Office of the Prime Minister but have received no concrete timeline for payment.“We are tired of waiting.
President Museveni gave us hope when he promised this money personally. Now we want Prime Minister Nabbanja to release the Shs20 billion without further delays.
Our businesses are on their knees, families are suffering, and rents are still piling up,” one trader leader said.
State Minister for Disaster Preparedness Lillian Aber had earlier stated that the Shs20 billion would be disbursed as relief, but traders insist the process has stalled at the implementation stage.
The outcry has attracted attention from opposition figures, including Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, who has demanded full accountability on the fate of the promised funds, questioning whether the commitment was genuine.
Some traders have threatened to stage protests or even consider closing shops if the money is not released soon.
Religious leaders, including Sheikh Shaban Ramathan Mubaje, have also added their voice, urging the government to honour the pledge made by the President.
When contacted, officials from the Office of the Prime Minister maintained that the funds are available and verification of beneficiaries is ongoing to ensure transparency and avoid ghost claimants.
They appealed for patience, saying the process is complex but will be completed.
The affected traders operate in one of Kampala’s busiest commercial zones, and their prolonged hardship risks further destabilising small businesses already struggling with high taxes, rental charges, and the aftermath of the floods.
Political observers note that failure to promptly release the money could erode public confidence in government’s disaster response mechanisms, especially after President Museveni’s direct intervention raised high expectations.
Freeman News UG understands that a high-level meeting between trader representatives and senior government officials, including representatives from the Prime Minister’s office, is being arranged in the coming days to address the impasse.
As pressure mounts, the traders are united in their message: “Release the 20 billion that Museveni gave us.”
Freeman News UG will keep monitoring the situation and update our readers on any developments.
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