Arcade traders in Kampala have raised alarm over escalating rent and electricity charges, prompting the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to step in with a promise to address their grievances.
The concerns were brought forward during a meeting where KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, met representatives from the Federation of Uganda Traders Association (FUTA), the Uganda Traders and Entrepreneurs Association (UTEA), Kampala Arcade Traders Advocacy, and traders from commercial arcades including 3Gs, NETA Uganda, and Tulazane Shoe Dealers.
Traders accused landlords of unfair practices, including illegal rent hikes without notice, lack of formal tenancy agreements, and inflated electricity bills.
They cited violations of the Landlord and Tenant Act 2022, which requires a two-month notice before any rent adjustment.
Edward Ntale, Chairperson of UTEA, said many traders were being pushed out of business due to exploitation.
“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.”
Hajjat Buzeki acknowledged the concerns and assured traders that KCCA would take a proactive approach in resolving the issues.
“We first wanted to meet you to understand your challenges before engaging the landlords and other stakeholders,” she 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 noted that the city authority will continue to engage landlords and relevant government ministries to ensure transparency and a fair business environment.
Beyond rent and power complaints, the meeting also touched on sanitation challenges in arcades, with calls for improved waste management and hygiene standards.
Hajjat Buzeki encouraged traders to stand together and support KCCA’s efforts toward a more regulated and equitable business space.
“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.
KCCA is expected to begin stakeholder engagements with landlords in the coming days to chart a clear way forward.
