Written By | Jovita Hasto
The situation has pushed some traders to outskirts such as Nyabuhikye, Igorora Town Council, and Bisheshe, while others have opted to keep their businesses at home until conditions improve.
Search
IBANDA
The business community in Ibanda district is facing growing frustration as rental fees continue to rise following the implementation of a local trade order. With demand for commercial spaces far exceeding supply, landlords have hiked prices, forcing many businesses to relocate or shut down.
At Main Street, rent for a business space now ranges from shs 800,000 to 2 million. On Jubilee Street, rates go between shs 300,000 and 500,000. Other streets like Bufunda range from shs 500,000 to 1 million, while spaces near Central Market are relatively cheaper at shs 200,000 to 300,000. According to Mr Godwin Tumuhirwe, a house broker, no rental unit on Main Street goes below shs 750,000. He noted that while Jubilee Street offers double rooms that can serve as both business and accommodation, business activity there is low.
The situation has pushed some traders to outskirts such as Nyabuhikye, Igorora Town Council, and Bisheshe, while others have opted to keep their businesses at home until conditions improve. Many are also selling off their businesses entirely.
Landlords, meanwhile, defend the increases. Mr Steven Kazooba, a landlord in Bufunda II ward, explained that demolitions under the trade order came when some tenants had already paid rent in advance. He refunded what he could and now plans to raise rent to recover reconstruction costs. "The situation shall not remain the same because it has cost us," he said.
Business owners are struggling. Mr Justus Ahimbisibwe, whose structure was demolished, said his clients can no longer easily locate him. He also noted that landlords now demand payment for six months to a year upfront, yet available space is too small for his commodities. Another resident, who requested anonymity, blamed the rent hikes on the trade policy, saying that demolished structures, when rebuilt, inevitably come with higher rents. He added that demand has given landlords a clear advantage.
Mr Cosmas Deo Tugume, Ibanda municipality's Principal Commercial Officer, said the council has no control over rent. He urged traders to form associations to negotiate collectively and suggested they consider vacant areas in suburbs like Nyabuhikye, Kigarama, Katongore, Katoma, and Bisheshe. He also clarified that demolished structures lacked approved plans and were built on road reserves. Those with valid plans may rebuild, but must follow agreed designs and seek guidance from technical staff.
What This Means for Residents and Traders
For now, Ibanda's business community faces a difficult adjustment. Rising rents, displacement, and limited affordable space are reshaping the town's commercial landscape. While the trade order aims to enforce planning standards, its immediate impact has been financial strain on small traders and a housing crunch for residents. The coming months will reveal whether the market stabilizes or more businesses are forced to the margins.
Torch Media Africa
