Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has lashed out at businessman Hamis Kiggundu for allegedly barricading and developing the Nakivubo Channel without proper authorization.
The channel, a critical drainage corridor in Kampala, has been at the center of a heated dispute following Kiggundu’s actions on the night of August 15, which Lukwago had previously warned against.
In a press conference at City Hall, Lukwago accused Kiggundu of lacking a lease or approved plans from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and a permit from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for the channel’s development.
“Hamis Kiggundu does not have a permit from NEMA to carry out any activity on this channel,” Lukwago stated, describing the businessman’s actions as illegal and fraudulent.
However, reports indicate that on April 3, 2025, the KCCA council, predominantly composed of National Unity Platform (NUP) members, passed a resolution to allow local investors to develop and upgrade the city’s drainage systems, including Nakivubo Channel, to address Kampala’s persistent flooding crisis.
While the council did not explicitly name Kiggundu, his company, Ham Enterprises, has been linked to the project, which is part of the broader Nakivubo Stadium redevelopment. Official records show that Ham Enterprises submitted drainage plans to KCCA, which were reviewed and approved on December 9, 2024.
Lukwago, a vocal critic of the project, has accused some NUP councilors of accepting bribes to endorse the development, a claim dismissed by council speaker Zahra Luyirika, who stated that the council never formally approved Kiggundu’s specific actions.
In response, Lukwago has sought intervention from NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya and Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, urging them to address what he calls an illegal move by the council.
He has also called on parliament to investigate the matter, alleging collusion between Kiggundu, senior government officials, and the State Minister for Kampala, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, whom Lukwago accuses of facilitating the channel’s development.
Lukwago also criticized the central government for failing to fund the Kampala Drainage Master Plan since 2016, which includes plans for upgrading eight drainage channels, including Nakivubo.
He argues that the lack of funding has forced KCCA to rely on private investors, potentially leading to unregulated developments.
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