The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has stopped all ongoing construction works on the Nakivubo Channel after finding that the contractor, Kiham Enterprises (U) Ltd, failed to follow important approval conditions. In a letter dated 3rd November 2025, KCCA’s Executive Director, Sharifah Buzeki, expressed serious concern about the company’s non-compliance, linking their actions to the recent floods that affected parts of the city.
According to KCCA, Kiham Enterprises had been given conditional approval for development along Nakivubo Channel on 9th September 2025, but construction began before the company met the required conditions and received a building permit. The situation worsened when heavy rains hit Kampala on 31st October 2025, causing major flooding, especially in the Central Business District. Roads such as Sebaana Road and Allen Road, along with nearby properties, were heavily affected.
A technical inspection by KCCA revealed that the flooding was partly caused by poor management of construction activities along the Nakivubo Channel. The inspection team found piles of construction debris blocking stormwater flow into the channel. In addition, the contractor had sealed off drainage points, preventing rainwater from draining freely, and had timber props under bridge slabs that trapped garbage and slowed down water movement.
As a result, KCCA has ordered the company to suspend all construction works immediately until all planning conditions are fully met and a building permit is granted. The authority also instructed Kiham Enterprises to remove all formwork, timber props, and construction debris, and to reopen blocked drainage inlets along Sebaana and Allen Roads. These actions are meant to restore the natural flow of stormwater and prevent future flooding.
Furthermore, KCCA has directed the company to work closely with its engineers to develop a proper Project Management Plan that ensures all future works follow approved designs and safety standards. In the meantime, the contractor must deploy suction trucks in flood-prone areas to manage any stormwater buildup.
To ensure full compliance, KCCA has appointed a monitoring team led by Eng. Maurice Kairania, the Deputy Director of Roads and Drainage. He will be supported by Mr. Kaweesa Patrick, Eng. Paul Rusoke, and Mr. Maximus Kwesiga. This team will oversee all corrective works, monitor progress, and provide regular updates to KCCA’s Executive Director.
Copies of the directive have also been shared with key government offices, including the Minister of Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, the Lord Mayor, and the Speaker of the Kampala Capital City Authority, showing the seriousness of the issue.
This move by KCCA sends a strong message to all contractors working within Kampala: city projects must follow approved standards to protect the environment and public safety. The Nakivubo Channel serves as a major drainage system for the city, and any obstruction or poor construction practices can lead to severe flooding and damage to property.
KCCA’s firm action demonstrates its commitment to keeping Kampala safe, organized, and environmentally responsible as it continues to grow into a modern capital city.
