By KT Reporter
Business owners operating in Kampala’s downtown arcades whose shops were submerged by floods in late October and November 2025 have begun receiving relief support from FINCA Uganda, offering renewed hope after weeks of losses and uncertainty. Among the beneficiaries is Charlotte Owomugisha, a businesswoman operating from the French Plaza basement, whose merchandise was destroyed when floodwaters swept through the building.
“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.” The floods heavily affected basement arcades and commercial premises in areas including French Plaza, Pentagon City Plaza, Totala Business Centre, and surrounding locations.
Traders suffered extensive losses after floodwaters damaged merchandise, including clothes, mattresses, carpets, and other goods, forcing many businesses to close temporarily. FINCA Uganda, at a press conference held at Fairway Hotel Kampala on Monday, announced the beginning of the process of providing over UGX 100 million in relief to its clients—traders in downtown Kampala—whose businesses were severely affected by the floods.
The process was announced during a press briefing attended by affected traders, city officials, and other stakeholders. The affected clients were identified following a thorough verification exercise conducted by FINCA Uganda in collaboration with trader leaders and local authorities to assess the extent of flood-related losses. The relief will be delivered in phases to ensure traders receive timely support as they rebuild and restore their businesses.
Speaking at the event, Eva Balikowa, Chief Commercial Officer of FINCA Uganda, reiterated the institution’s commitment to supporting clients beyond financial services: “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.”
On behalf of the business community, Hajji Issa Sekitto, Acting Chairperson of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), welcomed FINCA Uganda’s intervention, noting the relief would provide critical support: “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.”
Ismail Balikoowa from Padre Pio highlighted that the partnership with FINCA Uganda has enabled traders with active FINCA loans, who were affected by the recent floods, to have their outstanding loan balances settled through claim payouts. “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.
The floods also renewed concerns around Kampala’s drainage challenges, with experts citing blocked waterways and construction activity along the Nakivubo Channel as factors that worsened flooding in low-lying commercial areas. In response, the Kampala Capital City Authority has intensified efforts to improve drainage infrastructure along key roads in the city centre to reduce future flood risks.
FINCA Uganda has a long-standing commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises across the country. Beyond financial assistance, the bank provides tailored loans, business training, and advisory services to help entrepreneurs grow, manage risks, and strengthen the resilience of their businesses.
Robert Kakande, the Executive Director of FINCA Uganda, emphasized the institution’s long-term commitment to the trading community: “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.”
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