City officials say the demolition was carried out without any authorization. No demolition permit had been issued by the City Authority, making the operation illegal.
In a dramatic late–night incident that has stirred concern among city authorities and traders alike, an unidentified group carried out an unauthorized demolition at part of St. Balikudembe Market on the night of March 7, 2026.
According to a statement released by Kampala Capital City Authority, the incident occurred at approximately 10:00 p.m. when unknown individuals descended on a structure located at the edge of the market along Nakivubo Channel near Sebana Road.
Witnesses say the group arrived with heavy machinery and quickly began tearing down the structure under the cover of darkness. By the time authorities became aware of the activity, significant damage had already been done.
City officials say the demolition was carried out without any authorization. No demolition permit had been issued by the City Authority, making the operation illegal.
“This reckless demolition was conducted without following the required procedures,” the authority said in its statement, condemning the act as destruction of public property.
In response, KCCA has mobilized teams in collaboration with other government agencies to secure the site and salvage what remains of the damaged structure. Officials say efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the destruction.
Police have already arrested the operators of two machines that were reportedly used during the demolition. Authorities confirmed that investigations have begun to establish who ordered the operation and why it was conducted.
The incident has raised fresh questions about the protection of public infrastructure and the enforcement of city regulations in Kampala. KCCA has pledged to pursue the matter to its conclusion and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
For many traders and residents who rely on the bustling market, the overnight destruction has come as a shock — and a reminder of the ongoing challenges facing the city as it works toward building what officials call “a livable city.”