In a shocking incident late on 7 March 2026, unknown individuals demolished a section of the iconic Owino Market, also known as St. Balikudembe Market, along Sebana Road near the Nakivubo Channel. The demolition, carried out under cover of darkness, left traders stunned and disrupted livelihoods in one of Kampala’s busiest trading hubs.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) condemned the act as illegal and reckless, confirming that no demolition permit had been issued. Authorities emphasized that they are investigating the incident to identify those responsible and to prevent further unauthorized actions.

Police have arrested two machine operators involved in the demolition, and investigations are ongoing to establish who orchestrated the destruction. Social media users and the public have expressed outrage, with speculation about possible involvement of property developers, though no official link has been confirmed.

The demolition has heightened fears among traders and the community about the security of their businesses and the impact of unauthorized developments in Kampala. KCCA has promised to assess the damage, safeguard remaining market structures, and ensure accountability for those responsible.