KCCA ED MEETS ARCADE TRADERS OVER RENT AND POWER CONCERNS

The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, has met with arcade traders to discuss growing concerns over rising rent and power bills in the city’s commercial arcades.

The meeting, held on Tuesday at Aponye Hotel in Kampala, brought together representatives from the Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA), the Uganda Traders and Entrepreneurs Association (UTEA), Kampala Arcade Traders Advocacy, and business owners from arcades such as 3Gs, NETA Uganda, and Tulazane Shoe Dealers.

During the engagement, traders raised issues of illegal rent hikes, lack of tenancy agreements, and high electricity charges. They expressed concern over some landlords’ failure to observe the two-month notice period before rent increments, as required by Landlord and Tenant Act 2022.

Edward Ntale, the Chairperson of UTEA, said traders were struggling to stay afloat due to unfair business practices.

“Landlords are increasing rent without notice and charging us exorbitant electricity bills. In some arcades, when traders install Yaka meters to monitor their usage, the meters are removed,” he said. “We need protection and lasting solutions.”

The Executive Director appreciated the traders for voicing their concerns and assured them that KCCA is committed to finding practical and lasting solutions.

“We first wanted to meet you to understand your challenges before engaging the landlords and other stakeholders,” Hajjat Buzeki said. “We shall work closely with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development to address the issues of rent, tenancy agreements, and access to prepaid Yaka meters.”

She emphasized that KCCA will continue engaging all parties, including landlords and relevant government ministries, to ensure fairness, transparency, and improved working conditions for traders.

The meeting also discussed other issues affecting arcade operations, including waste management and the need to enhance cleanliness in business premises.

Hajjat Buzeki urged traders to remain united and cooperative as KCCA continues to champion a balanced approach that supports both business growth and compliance with city regulations.

“Your businesses are the heartbeat of Kampala’s economy. We are committed to creating an environment where traders can thrive and landlords can operate within fair and legal frameworks,” she added.