Kampala’s Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, has once again stirred controversy by accusing businessman Hamis Kiggundu and his company, Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd., of illegally constructing on the Nakivubo Channel without clearance from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
These claims, while framed as a defense of legal and environmental standards, appear to be more about political grandstanding than advancing Uganda’s development.
It’s time to set the record straight and focus on what truly matters: progress for our nation. Lukwago’s allegations assert that Kiggundu’s renovation works on the Nakivubo Channel violate environmental regulations and lack approval from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
However, evidence suggests otherwise. On December 9, 2024, the KCCA council approved Ham Enterprises’ plans to upgrade the Jugula drainage channel, a critical component of Kampala’s flood mitigation infrastructure.
The council’s decision was not made in a vacuum—it followed due process, including technical evaluations to ensure compliance with urban planning standards.
Furthermore, recent floods in Kampala left areas around Nakivubo notably flood-free, a testament to the effectiveness of these upgrades. To dismiss this as “illegal” ignores the tangible benefits already visible to residents. Lukwago’s claim about NEMA’s lack of clearance also lacks substantiation.
KCCA’s rigorous approval process for such projects typically incorporates environmental considerations, as mandated by Ugandan law. If NEMA had raised significant objections, we would expect formal notices or legal action from the authority, yet none have surfaced in credible reports.
Instead, Lukwago’s accusations rely heavily on rhetoric, amplified by social media, without providing concrete evidence of non-compliance.
This is not to say that environmental oversight is unimportant. Protecting Kampala’s ecosystems, including its drainage channels, is critical to sustainable urban growth. However, Lukwago’s approach—calling for demolitions and arrests—risks derailing a project that serves the public good.
The Nakivubo Channel upgrades are not just about one businessman’s ambitions; they are about addressing Kampala’s chronic flooding, which disrupts lives, destroys property, and hampers economic activity.
Kampala’s chronic flooding, caused by blocked drainage systems, has long plagued the city, with tragic consequences, including the loss of lives in waterlogged trenches during heavy rains.
The Nakivubo Channel, a vital artery for the city’s drainage, had become a symbol of neglect until Ham Enterprises stepped in with a KCCA-approved plan contrary to the unauthorized construction Lord Mayor Lukwago alleges.
It should also be noted that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) praised the adjacent Nakivubo Stadium but emphasized the need for a fully upgraded channel to ensure safety and functionality.
Lukwago’s claims of illegality, unsupported by clear evidence of NEMA violations, ignore these life-saving improvements and risk derailing a project that addresses a deadly urban crisis.
Also, the urgency of development cannot be overstated. Kampala’s growth demands modern infrastructure to protect its citizens and elevate its global profile.
Waiting for external funding, such as from the World Bank, is a luxury Uganda cannot afford when local investors like Hamis Kiggundu are already delivering tangible solutions. His commitment to transforming the Nakivubo Channel, backed by KCCA’s approval, showcases the potential of Ugandan ingenuity to tackle our challenges.
By focusing on unproven allegations, Lukwago undermines the very progress that could prevent further deaths and ensure Kampala’s readiness for international events.
Development must take precedence over political disputes, and with local investors leading the charge, Uganda can forge a path to resilience and prosperity without delay.
Uganda stands at a crossroads. With a growing population and rapid urbanization, we cannot afford to let political feuds stall development. Hamis Kiggundu, whatever one’s opinion of him, is investing in infrastructure that benefits Kampala’s residents.
His projects, including the Nakivubo upgrades, create jobs, improve public safety, and enhance the city’s resilience to climate challenges. These are the priorities that should unite us, not divisive claims that lack evidential backing.
Moreover, the KCCA magistrate court’s dismissal of charges against Kiggundu on January 14, 2025, further weakens Lukwago’s position. The court found the charges legally flawed, as they were filed against Kiggundu personally rather than his company, highlighting a procedural misstep that suggests political motivations over genuine concern.
This ruling should prompt reflection: are these accusations about protecting Kampala, or are they about settling scores? Development is not a zero-sum game. We can uphold environmental standards and advance infrastructure simultaneously.
If there are legitimate concerns about NEMA’s clearance, they should be addressed through transparent dialogue between KCCA, NEMA, and Ham Enterprises, not through public ultimatums that sow distrust.
Uganda’s progress demands collaboration, not confrontation. It’s time for leaders like Lukwago to prioritize the greater good over personal crusades.
Kampala’s residents deserve a city that is flood-free, economically vibrant, and environmentally sound. Projects like the Nakivubo Channel upgrades move us toward that vision. Instead of tearing down efforts that benefit our nation, let’s build on them together.
