Police have arrested four suspects in connection with the demolition of part of St. Balikudembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market. The affected structure is located at the boundary of the Nakivubo Channel along Sebana Road.
Part of the market was on Saturday night demolished by a grader without notifying traders operating in that section, leaving many in shock and uncertainty.
Confirming the arrests, Rachael Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, said four suspects have so far been nabbed and that police have opened a general inquiry file.
Kawala added that the suspects will be interrogated, promising to keep the public updated once investigations are completed.
Kampala Capital City Authority condemned the demolition, saying the operation was carried out illegally and without the necessary approvals from the city authority.
“This reckless demolition, carried out under the cover of darkness, was done without obtaining a demolition permit from the City Authority,” KCCA said.
The authority added that it had immediately moved in to assess the situation and salvage what remains of the structure.
“KCCA, in collaboration with sister agencies, is actively working to salvage what remains of the structure and ensure that those responsible for this destruction of a public good are brought to book,” the statement further read.
