The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has urged the government and private developers to ensure that all development projects in Kampala follow the due process.
Mayiga, on Thursday, addressed the media on the Nakivubo channel redevelopment process at the Buganda Kingdom Administrative headquarters at Bulange, Mengo.
He said while the Buganda Kingdom supports private-sector-driven development, such projects must be undertaken responsibly and in consultation with environmental experts, engineers, and other stakeholders.
His statement comes a few days after the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) ordered the businessman to suspend construction activities on the Nakivubo channel.
In a November 3rd letter, KCCA Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, said the construction of structures over the Nakivubo channel was being implemented without fulfilling the required conditions.
The project by businessman Ham Kiggundu has caused public outrage, especially after it was revealed that it could have been the cause of the flooding of shops in the vicinity, leading to the destruction of traders’ merchandise.
Buzeki’s letter addressed to Kiham Enterprises reveals that the Nakivubo project had commenced without meeting conditions outlined in the conditional approval, detailing poor management of construction debris, blockage of storm water discharge points, and the vertical formwork installed under reinforced concrete bridge slabs, slowing the flow of water.
“We support development initiatives started by different individuals or enterprises, but development must take place after due process. Development should only take place after consulting technical people, the experts in environmental issues, the engineers… all these people are very important if development is going to take place, especially in specific areas,” Mayiga said.
The Katikkiro emphasized that the Nakivubo Channel serves a crucial ecological function as the main drainage system for much of Kampala, channeling rainwater into Lake Victoria.
Any modification of the channel, Mayiga warned, should be guided by environmental and engineering expertise to avoid unintended consequences such as flooding.
“The Nakivubo Channel plays a significant ecological role for the city of Kampala. It is the drainage point for big sections of the city, carrying water all the way to Lake Victoria. If there is a need to develop Nakivubo Channel, due process should take place. The experts must be involved, but also the stakeholders… the citizens of the city are stakeholders and they need to be duly consulted,” he noted.
Katikkiro Mayiga extended condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with affected business owners, many of whom, he noted, are young entrepreneurs trying to build their livelihoods.
“Irrespective of the number of people who died, we express our condolences to the families and friends of the people who drowned. We have also learnt that several business persons lost their merchandise… they must be traumatized and we express solidarity with them,” he said.
Mayiga welcomed reports that the government is considering compensation for those who lost relatives or property in the floods, saying that offering such support aligns with the government’s duty to protect and assist citizens in times of crisis.
“The downpour is an act of God, but there are many situations when people affected by acts of God are supported in different ways. That is why governments exist… to be the shield to citizens when they experience difficulties,” Mayiga noted.
He reaffirmed Buganda Kingdom’s support for urban development, but cautioned that the process must prioritize sustainability, safety, and public welfare.
“We don’t think anyone should be opposed to the development of the city. But how it is developed counts a lot. If you undertake an initiative but use the wrong method, the results tend to be less than desirable,” the Katikkiro said.
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