Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Buzeki while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE)
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PARLIAMENT
The Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, has assured Parliament that there are no plans to demolish St. Balikuddembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market, but rather to undertake improvements to modernise the ageing facility.
Buzeki made the remarks while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) during scrutiny of the 2024/25 Auditor General’s report for KCCA. The Committee had raised concerns over recent demolitions at the market and sought clarification on the Authority’s long-term plans.
“For the time being, we do not have any plans to do away with Owino Market. What we have in our strategic plan is to improve it,” Buzeki told the Committee. “The market is ageing and there are several areas that require urgent attention.”
Her assurance came amid growing anxiety among vendors, prompting Busiro East MP Medard Sseggona to seek clarity on whether traders risk eviction.
“I received a call from a vendor this morning asking whether they should prepare to leave. Are they about to be evicted?” Sseggona asked. 
Medard Sseggona (Busior East MP)
In response, Buzeki said KCCA had already engaged market leaders and vendors following the recent demolitions, assuring them that there are no plans to remove the market. She emphasised that any future redevelopment would be undertaken transparently and in consultation with stakeholders.
“In the event that we secure funding for reconstruction, as we have done with markets such as Usafi, Ggaba, and Kamwokya, we shall engage vendors and agree on designs together. Nothing will be done in the dark,” she said.
However, National PWD Representative Mpindi Bumali pressed for specifics on the nature of the planned improvements, questioning whether they would go beyond superficial works.
“When you say improvements without demolition, what exactly do you mean?” Mpindi asked, seeking clarity for concerned traders.
Mpindi Bumaali
Buzeki explained that the immediate focus is on essential repairs, including fixing leaking sections, improving drainage systems, and addressing electrical faults.
“There are critical areas like the kitchen and vegetable sections that are leaking, as well as drainage blockages. These cannot wait for long-term plans. We address such issues as they arise,” she said.
The Committee also learned that KCCA recently assumed full control of Owino Market following the expiry of a lease previously held by a private entity. However, the Authority is currently not collecting rent from traders operating in the market.
“At the moment, we are not collecting rent,” Buzeki confirmed, noting that vendors only pay for utilities such as water and electricity.
This revelation drew concern from legislators, with Sseggona questioning the rationale for investing public funds in a facility that does not generate rental income.
In response, Buzeki explained that the arrangement applies to all 17 public markets managed by KCCA, which are considered incubation centres for small-scale traders.
“These markets serve as nurseries for businesses. They provide space for traders transitioning from the streets to formal trade. Under the law, they only pay for utilities,” she said.
Rachard Sebamala (Bukoto Central)
Bukoto Central MP Richard Sebamala also raised concerns about ownership and land security, citing fears among vendors that the market could eventually be handed over to private developers.
Buzeki said KCCA holds land titles for the market but requested more time to provide detailed information on its exact acreage.
“We have the titles, but I will provide the exact acreage to the Committee on Tuesday,” she said.
The discussions come amid heightened scrutiny of KCCA’s management of public markets, with legislators calling for transparency to safeguard vendors’ livelihoods.
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