Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has ordered businessman Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, to install additional culverts along the Nakivubo Channel in Kampala to help control flooding in the city. This directive followed her inspection of flood-damaged areas in downtown Kampala after heavy rains hit the city on October 31, submerging shops, markets, and roads. The floods caused extensive damage, with losses estimated in billions of shillings.
During her visit, the Prime Minister expressed concern over the massive destruction that traders and business owners suffered due to the floods. Many shop owners in areas around Kisenyi, Owino Market, and Nakivubo Channel lost goods and property after water invaded their premises. She assured affected traders that the government would send valuers to assess the damages and explore possible compensation for those who lost their merchandise.
Nabbanja noted that while the redevelopment of the Nakivubo Channel area was a positive step toward modernizing the city, it was equally important to ensure proper drainage systems were put in place. She directed Hamis Kiggundu to urgently open blocked drainage channels and install additional culverts to allow free water flow into the Nakivubo Channel.
The Prime Minister emphasized that effective drainage management was key to preventing future flooding in the city, especially during the rainy season.
At the same time, Nabbanja approved the continuation of Hamis Kiggundu’s Shs 180 billion Nakivubo redevelopment project, which includes the construction of Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium and other commercial structures. She said the construction should continue as planned, provided that measures are taken to address the drainage challenges that have affected nearby communities.
Businessman Hamis Kiggundu responded positively to the directive, expressing his commitment to improving the area’s drainage system.
In a tweet, he wrote, “It’s our own responsibility to transform our motherland Uganda into the West we desire. For God and my country.” His message emphasized a sense of patriotism and personal responsibility in contributing to Uganda’s urban transformation and infrastructure development.
Meanwhile, some critics have argued that the ongoing construction around the Nakivubo Channel contributed to the flooding by narrowing water paths and blocking drainage routes. However, both the Prime Minister and the developer have assured the public that corrective measures will be taken to improve the situation and ensure long-term solutions to Kampala’s persistent flooding problem.
The government’s focus now is to collaborate with private developers to strike a balance between urban development and environmental safety. The installation of more culverts and opening of drainage channels are expected to ease the flow of rainwater, reduce flooding, and protect businesses from future losses.
As Kampala continues to grow, the challenge of managing urban floods remains a major concern. The government’s recent intervention reflects its commitment to improving city infrastructure while encouraging responsible development that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens.
In the words of Prime Minister Nabbanja, Kampala’s transformation must go hand in hand with practical solutions that protect lives and property — ensuring that development projects serve both progress and people.