Archival Sense
Senior Member
- Dec 16, 2025
- 120
- 146
Government has earmarked Shs20 billion to compensate traders who were affected by flooding in Kampala last October, as part of ongoing efforts to support recovery and strengthen disaster response.
The Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Lillian Aber, announced the development during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), noting that the funds were provided under the directive of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“His Excellency has provided a fund worth Shs20 billion to support these traders, and the process to disburse the funds is ongoing,” Aber said.
The floods, which affected areas including the Nakivubo Channel, caused significant losses to traders, with many reporting destruction of merchandise and business disruptions.
However, the compensation process has faced delays due to discrepancies in the lists of affected individuals submitted by various stakeholders. Aber said efforts are underway to harmonise the data to ensure that only genuine claimants benefit.
“We are harmonising the lists submitted so that genuine claimants receive the support,” she added.
The OPM Permanent Secretary, Alex Kakooza, revealed that a committee has been established to oversee the verification and disbursement process. The committee will include representatives from traders’ associations to enhance transparency and accountability.
The State Minister for Relief, Disaster preparedness and Refugees Hon. Lillian Aber (left) and the Permanent Secretary OPM. Mr. Alex Kakooza during the press briefing in Kampala (image courtesy of OPM)
“Traders will be represented on the committee, which will verify details and guide beneficiaries on how to access the funds,” Kakooza said.
Beyond immediate relief, government is also rolling out medium- and long-term measures to address the root causes of urban flooding. These include stricter enforcement of building regulations, restoration of proper land use, upgrades to drainage systems, road improvements, and environmental rehabilitation.
Officials say the combined approach is intended not only to support affected traders but also to reduce the likelihood of similar disasters in the future.
The Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Lillian Aber, announced the development during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), noting that the funds were provided under the directive of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“His Excellency has provided a fund worth Shs20 billion to support these traders, and the process to disburse the funds is ongoing,” Aber said.
The floods, which affected areas including the Nakivubo Channel, caused significant losses to traders, with many reporting destruction of merchandise and business disruptions.
However, the compensation process has faced delays due to discrepancies in the lists of affected individuals submitted by various stakeholders. Aber said efforts are underway to harmonise the data to ensure that only genuine claimants benefit.
“We are harmonising the lists submitted so that genuine claimants receive the support,” she added.
The OPM Permanent Secretary, Alex Kakooza, revealed that a committee has been established to oversee the verification and disbursement process. The committee will include representatives from traders’ associations to enhance transparency and accountability.
“Traders will be represented on the committee, which will verify details and guide beneficiaries on how to access the funds,” Kakooza said.
Beyond immediate relief, government is also rolling out medium- and long-term measures to address the root causes of urban flooding. These include stricter enforcement of building regulations, restoration of proper land use, upgrades to drainage systems, road improvements, and environmental rehabilitation.
Officials say the combined approach is intended not only to support affected traders but also to reduce the likelihood of similar disasters in the future.
