Relief is beginning to reach business owners operating in Kampala’s downtown arcades whose shops were devastated by floods that struck in late October and November 2025, bringing renewed optimism after weeks of financial strain. FINCA Uganda has started extending support to affected traders, many of whom lost stock and were forced to temporarily shut down their businesses due to rising floodwaters.

One of the beneficiaries is Charlotte Owomugisha, a trader based in the basement of French Plaza, where floods destroyed her merchandise. “I got a loan of six million shillings from FINCA Uganda and shopped for kids' clothes, but floods submerged my business. I lost hope after this incident happened, but with this support from FINCA bank, I am hopeful that my business will recover.” Her experience mirrors that of dozens of traders whose livelihoods were disrupted when water swept through basement arcades.

The flooding severely impacted several commercial hubs in downtown Kampala, including French Plaza, Pentagon City Plaza, Totala Business Centre, and nearby premises. Low-lying basements were particularly vulnerable, with traders reporting losses of clothes, mattresses, carpets, and other merchandise. As a result, many businesses were left unable to operate, compounding economic pressure on traders and their families. Similar frustrations were earlier raised by traders who accused poor drainage and works along the Nakivubo Channel of worsening the flooding, as detailed in this report: https://sunrise.ug/news/202510/traders-count-losses-as-city-floods-spark-anger-over-drainage-woes-nakivubo-works-blamed-.

In response, FINCA Uganda announced it would disburse more than UGX 100 million in relief to its clients affected by the floods. The announcement was made during a press conference held at Fairway Hotel Kampala on Monday, attended by affected traders, city officials, and other stakeholders. The institution confirmed that the support process had officially begun.

Affected clients were identified through a comprehensive verification exercise conducted jointly by FINCA Uganda, trader leaders, and local authorities. The assessments focused on determining the scale of losses incurred as a direct result of the floods. According to FINCA Uganda, the relief will be rolled out in phases to ensure that traders receive consistent and timely assistance as they work to reopen and restock their businesses.

Eva Balikowa, Chief Commercial Officer of FINCA Uganda, underscored the institution’s broader responsibility to its clients during times of crisis. “Behind every flooded shop is a family, a livelihood, and years of hard work. We deeply sympathize with traders who are the backbone of Kampala’s economy. As FINCA Uganda, we are committed to standing with entrepreneurs in moments of crisis. The relief will be provided in phases to ensure traders can recover steadily.”

The intervention has been welcomed by the business community. Hajji Issa Sekitto, Acting Chairperson of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), said the support comes at a critical moment. “This support from FINCA Uganda comes at a time when several traders are struggling to get back on their feet. It demonstrates responsiveness and partnership with the trading community and will go a long way in restoring business confidence.”

Additional support mechanisms have also been activated for traders with active FINCA loans. Ismail Balikoowa from Padre Pio explained that affected borrowers have benefited from claim payouts that cleared outstanding loan balances. “We conducted on-ground assessments in the downtown area to verify the affected borrowers and facilitate the necessary support. We deeply sympathize with all traders impacted by the floods,” he stated.

Beyond immediate financial losses, the floods have once again highlighted longstanding drainage challenges in Kampala. Experts have pointed to blocked drainage channels and construction activities along the Nakivubo Channel as major contributors to the severity of flooding in downtown commercial zones. In response, Kampala Capital City Authority has stepped up efforts to improve drainage systems along key city roads to mitigate future flood risks.

FINCA Uganda’s intervention aligns with its long-term mission of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises across Uganda. In addition to financial relief, the institution offers customized loans, business training, and advisory services aimed at strengthening entrepreneurs’ resilience and capacity to manage risk.

Robert Kakande, Executive Director of FINCA Uganda, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the trading community as recovery efforts continue. “We value the trust our clients place in us, especially during challenging moments. FINCA Uganda remains a reliable partner to traders as they rebuild, grow, and plan for the future. We welcome both existing and new entrepreneurs to explore our financial solutions designed to support business growth.”