Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has strongly condemned the unauthorized nighttime demolition of part of St. Balikudembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market, which occurred late Saturday night.
According to the city authority, unknown individuals arrived at the market around 10:00 p.m. on March 7, 2026, and demolished a structure located along the boundary of the Nakivubo Channel on Sebana Road without official authorization.
In a statement posted on its official X platform, KCCA said the demolition was conducted without obtaining the mandatory demolition permit from the city authority.
“At approximately 10:00 p.m. on the night of March 7, 2026, persons yet to be identified descended upon a structure forming part of St. Balikudembe Market along Sebana Road and demolished it without authorization,” KCCA stated.
The authority described the act as reckless destruction carried out under the cover of darkness, stressing that no approval had been granted for such works.
KCCA revealed that police have already arrested the operators of two excavators that were being used during the demolition.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to establish who ordered and financed the operation, with a commitment to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The city authority also noted that it is working with other government agencies to salvage what remains of the structure and assess the extent of the damage.
The incident has sparked strong reactions online, with several users questioning how such a demolition could occur without the knowledge of city authorities.
Some commentators linked the incident to ongoing redevelopment activities around Nakivubo, associated with businessman Hamis Kiggundu. Critics argue that encroachments around the Nakivubo Channel have previously been blamed for worsening flooding risks in Kampala.
However, KCCA has not confirmed any connection between the demolition and the redevelopment project.
St. Balikudembe Market is one of Kampala’s largest and busiest markets, hosting thousands of traders and serving as a major commercial hub in the city.
Authorities say further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
