Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago has blasted government for folding arms and neglecting the drainage infrastructure in the city, partly leading to floods .
Lukwago acknowledged his political responsibility for the flooding but insisted that his role as the city’s head has been undermined by government ministers.
“My position as political head of the city is being eclipsed by the Ministers,” he lamented, adding that he has consistently pushed for solutions but faced institutional resistance.
He was appearing on NBS TV's Morning Breeze show on Monday.
Lukwago detailed how Kampala’s drainage system has remained unchanged for decades, citing Nakivubo Channel as a prime example.
“The last time Nakivubo was fixed was in 2004, and even then, it was only a mitigation measure,” he stated.
With climate change intensifying rainfall patterns, the existing infrastructure is woefully inadequate to handle the water volumes.
Consultants from the World Bank, he revealed, had estimated that $220 million would be required to fully address the drainage problem.
“We asked the government for at least $22 million annually over 10 years, but we didn’t get this money. What we receive barely covers desilting and basic maintenance.”
Lukwago did not hold back on accusing the government of financial mismanagement, arguing that misused donor funds have contributed to Kampala’s worsening state.
“World Bank put a stop to financing KCCA because we weren’t making headway. Now, they only fund projects covering the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.”
Despite several engagements with the Ministry of Kampala, he said, there has been little cooperation.
“You can ask the current Executive Director how angry I am about the way Kampala’s funds have been allocated,” Lukwago added, recounting a recent confrontation with the Minister of Kampala over the issue.
He also accused government of prioritizing political and economic interests over the city’s well-being.
“We have a government that borrows money to compensate UMEME but won’t borrow to fix Kampala. Museveni hates Kampala.”
Beyond infrastructure, Lukwago also pointed to poor urban planning and environmental degradation as major contributors to the crisis.
“I have always questioned how our planning office allows developments in wetlands,” he said, blaming authorities for favoring influential individuals over ordinary citizens.
“NEMA has unleashed terror on poor Ugandans while turning a blind eye to the big fish who have set up in wetlands,” he stated.
He revealed that legal action is already underway against businessman Hamis Kiggundu over illegal construction on a drainage channel.
Lukwago insists that his claims are backed by documentary evidence and challenged the Ministry of Kampala to counter his assertions with facts.
“When you host the Ministry of Kampala, I need them to counter what I have said with documentary evidence.”
With Kampala’s flooding problems worsening each year, Lukwago's statements amplify growing frustrations among city residents who bear the brunt of infrastructure failures.