Yesterday, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) ordered an immediate halt to construction works along the Nakivubo Channel. The authority, responsible for managing city land and development, emphasized that no project can proceed without proper permission and supervision. This decision came after concerns that the ongoing works could worsen flooding in Kampala and pose serious risks to the public.
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has been vocal about the issue. He accused businessman Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, of starting construction without the necessary clearances. Lukwago warned that previous works around Nakivubo had already caused flooding in parts of downtown Kampala, including Owino Market, and expressed concern over possible land grabbing.
KCCA confirmed these worries in a public statement, instructing Ham and his company, Kiham Enterprises Ltd, to stop all activities immediately. The authority also demanded that debris caused by the construction be cleared and that all affected areas be secured to prevent danger and future flooding.
The situation became more complicated after a letter from President Yoweri Museveni to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja surfaced. In the letter, the president praised Ham’s plan to cover the Nakivubo Channel and improve waste management, describing it as “godly.” Museveni even recommended allowing Ham to build rental properties on top of the channel to recover his investment.
This move angered Lord Mayor Lukwago, who criticized the president for interfering in city planning. He stressed that development projects in Kampala should follow proper procedures led by engineers, planners, and the city authority, not political directives. Lukwago also reminded the public that KCCA had once planned a similar project under the “smart city” program, but it stalled due to lack of funding.
The controversy raises a big question: how will Ham recover his money if the city continues to block his construction? Supporters view the project as a bold step toward modernizing Kampala, while critics argue it could worsen flooding and endanger lives. Despite starting the work without approval, Ham relied on the president’s support, but KCCA’s intervention shows that city laws and regulations must come first. The Nakivubo tug-of-war highlights the delicate balance between politics, business, and urban planning in Uganda’s capital.
