For decades, Uganda’s busiest markets have remained the backbone of the country’s informal economy, feeding families and sustaining thousands of small-scale traders. Whenever heavy rains hit the city, however, many vendors are left counting losses due to flooding, poor drainage systems, and damaged merchandise. In downtown Kampala, traders in St. Balikudembe Market say the rainy season continues to expose the long-standing infrastructural challenges affecting their businesses. Our reporter spoke to them today.

Known as one of the oldest and busiest trading hubs in Kampala, St. Balikudembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market, has for years empowered many traders with the opportunity to engage in trading where they have been able to support their families with funds to send their children to school and provided them with basic household needs. However, during every rainy season, the market experiences persistent flooding, muddy pathways, and poor sanitation conditions that disrupt business operations and affect livelihoods. Vendors say despite several promises to improve drainage and market structures, little has changed over the years, forcing traders to operate under difficult conditions whenever it rains.

Catherine Nabawanuka, an egg vendor in the market, says the excessive rainwater has greatly affected their daily work and reduced the number of customers buying from them and called upon the government to immediately work on improving drainage systems

Operators of produce stalls in Owino Market also expressed frustration over the repeated flooding explaining the struggle they go through when it rains.

The vendors revealed that they have experienced similar incidents several times before. They added that after previous flooding incidents, government officials promised compensation to affected traders, which, until today, remains only but a promise for most of them.

Edith Katende called upon the president of Uganda to ensure accountability among leaders entrusted with handling support meant for affected traders, recounting the president’s speech emphasizing fighting corruption during his recent swearing-in, and urged him to appoint trustworthy individuals.

Rashid Ssemakula, another trader, said vendors are increasingly losing hope because of the continuous flooding in the market and called upon the government to urgently rehabilitate and unblock drainage channels within the city to prevent further destruction.

Swaibu Ssentongo, who says he has been affected by floods several times, blamed the overflowing Nakivubo drainage channel for causing water to spread into the market. He stressed that the responsibility now lies with the government to improve drainage systems and ensure traders are protected from future flooding.

Doreen Nyange explained that the floods have severely affected them because water reaches directly into their merchandise, leaving some goods completely damaged and unsellable.

The vendors are now appealing for long-term solutions, including proper drainage management, regular desilting of channels, and improved urban planning to protect businesses and livelihoods in one of Kampala’s busiest markets during the rainy season.