Let’s be clear from the start: I do not know Mr Hamis Kiggundu. I have never met him. Our paths have never crossed. My words here are rooted in critical analysis, as objective as one can get when objectivity itself is rare.
Kampala is my home. I am passionate about its future. I want the best for this city—and I will not settle for less.
There is a popular assumption that Mr Kiggundu is Kampala’s saviour, the man to restore Nakivubo Channel. Let’s pause. Mr Kiggundu has a curious fixation with anything labeled “Nakivubo.” But the real question is this: who actually has the competence to manage and improve this critical public infrastructure?
Mr Kiggundu is an investor. His interest is profit. The channel’s cleanliness, its public benefit—that is not his priority. He wants the land. Look at the War Memorial Stadium: he beautified it, brought in influencers, created lock-up shops—but CAF games? We are still waiting. If this were truly about public service, why haven’t even CHAN matches been hosted there?
This is not his first development in Kampala. From his projects near Makerere University to other ventures, the quality of his work is visible and measurable. Engineers and architects can confirm what we already know. If a developer with a proven track record—like those behind Acacia Mall or Village Mall—offered to manage Nakivubo Channel, we would feel safer.
Here’s where it gets troubling: stories of councillors allegedly being paid to approve this project. A project meant to serve the public shouldn’t involve bribes. How will that money be recovered? Why circumvent rules that exist to protect the city and its people? If the project is truly good, it should sell itself.
And the details? Who designed it? Who manages it? Who executes the civil works? Questions like these are ignored in the haze of PR campaigns and influencer hype.
Compare this with the Hoima City Stadium. Turkish contractor SUMMA won the contract, and the project speaks for itself. No hype. No influencers. Just competent work delivered transparently.
Mr Kiggundu can hire influencers, but true development cannot rely on social media campaigns. The people of Kampala are the ultimate beneficiaries, and their trust matters. Thankfully, KCCA seems to be reasserting control—there is hope that due process will finally guide this project.