Heavy rains have once again exposed Kampala’s drainage challenges, leaving roads submerged and properties damaged.
The situation has sparked debate over accountability, with authorities and residents pointing fingers over the persistent flooding crisis.
Michael Toyota Nuwagira, Vice Chairperson of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), criticized the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for failing to maintain drainage systems and allowing illegal construction in wetlands.
“It was embarrassing to see Kampala in this state,” Nuwagira said. “Blocked water channels and poorly managed infrastructure have made the flooding worse. Some people are trying to paint a bad picture of the government, but the real issue is KCCA’s negligence. They have allowed bigwigs to build in wetlands, worsening the drainage problem.”
He called on KCCA and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to take action by demolishing illegal structures in wetlands.
He also urged the public to report encroachments to help prevent future disasters.
Beyond drainage issues, Nuwagira pointed to delays in road construction as another contributing factor, arguing that incomplete projects worsen traffic congestion, making it even harder for residents to navigate during floods.
However, KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki defended the city authority, stating on NBS LiveAt9 that the recent rains exceeded the capacity of Kampala’s drainage system.
She noted that KCCA had been clearing drainages for three weeks before the rains, which helped minimize the impact.
“We are not just looking on,” Buzeki said. “We had planned for this rain, and that’s why the water was able to clear early. The real challenge is that some communities continue to dump garbage in drainages, which blocks water flow. It takes both KCCA and residents to fight these floods.”
State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Lilian Aber, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that while flooding in Kampala cannot be completely prevented, it can be mitigated.
She called for behavioral change among residents, urging an end to illegal dumping and wetland encroachment.
As authorities and communities debate responsibility, the urgent need for long-term solutions to Kampala’s flooding crisis remains clear.