Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has issued a stern warning to government agencies and private developers over what he termed as continued disregard for Kampala’s drainage master plan, saying the ongoing encroachment on critical waterways has directly contributed to the severe flooding experienced across the city in recent weeks.
Speaking during NBS Barometer on Tuesday, Lukwago, who also heads the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), expressed deep frustration at what he described as repeated neglect of expert advice and established urban planning protocols.
“We have been talking about these disasters for a long time, and they keep happening. Ugandans have been hoodwinked by the artistic impression of the Nakivubo Channel structure. Several people have accused me of obstructing development in Kampala. But the question is — who is bringing this development, and on whose land?,” he said.
Lukwago emphasized that Kampala has a formally approved Drainage Master Plan, but key actors have ignored it. He questioned why businessman Hamis Kiggundu (Ham) did not formally engage with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) before commencing large-scale construction works along the Nakivubo Channel.
“When Hamis Kiggundu was planning to build his buildings on the channel, why didn’t he come to KCCA to consult with us? There was no formally approved plan by stakeholders to allow the construction on the Nakivubo Channel,” he said.
Lukwago faulted both city leaders and central government ministries for overlooking earlier warnings regarding the city’s fragile drainage ecosystem. He revealed that he previously submitted a detailed, damning report to the Kampala City Council outlining the threats posed by obstructions along waterways.
“Obstruction along the channel directly contributed to this catastrophic flooding,” Lukwago said, adding that he repeatedly cautioned that the Nakivubo redevelopment posed a grave danger to Kampala’s drainage system.
In recent weeks, heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods across Kampala, including the central business district. Major roads, markets, and commercial buildings have been submerged, particularly in low-lying areas such as Kisenyi, Katwe, Bwaise, and neighborhoods surrounding the Nakivubo Channel.
Traders, transport operators, and residents have suffered major losses, with many accusing the ongoing Nakivubo redevelopment of blocking natural water flow and worsening the floods.
Lukwago’s remarks intensify public pressure on KCCA, the Ministry of Water and Environment, and other state agencies to accelerate drainage improvement works and provide support to affected communities.
Lukwago reiterated his commitment to protecting Kampala’s environment and urged authorities to enforce planning regulations without fear or favor.
“Urban development must be lawful, scientific, and sustainable. Kampala cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes. If we continue in this trajectory, we are headed for disaster,” he said.
