KCCA Says Basement Trading Problem Is Inherited, Awaits Cabinet Directive

What the report says

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) says it is waiting for the formal Cabinet minute before acting on a directive that orders traders operating in building basements to move out. According to the authority, the instruction has already been received, but officials want the written extract to guide how enforcement will proceed.

KCCA spokesperson Daniel Nuwabiine said the widespread use of basements for business is a longstanding issue inherited by the current administration. He said the authority sees the directive as a chance to strengthen compliance with existing building and safety rules, rather than to create a new restriction from scratch.

The authority says it plans to talk to affected traders, property owners and other stakeholders before implementation, working alongside its political leadership and the central government. KCCA also indicated that some basement spaces should be reserved for approved uses such as parking or storage, unless building control officers have authorised another purpose.

The move comes as traders and landlords in Kampala are still dealing with the effects of recent flooding, which reportedly disrupted business and damaged property about a month ago. The directive is expected to support enforcement of building regulations and address safety concerns linked to commercial activity in spaces not meant for trading.