CITY HALL | The Speaker of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Zahara Luyirika, and fellow councillors have called on the authority’s technical team to accelerate efforts on the city's drainage system overhaul, following widespread flooding in several parts of the capital.
The request comes after a series of inspections revealed severe drainage blockages and slow progress on a long-awaited project meant to address the city's recurrent flooding.
During their tour of drainage channels across Makindye Division, Kampala Central Division, and neighborhoods like Kisenyi, councillors expressed alarm at the worsening situation.
Several key roads have been significantly damaged by the floods, and blocked drainage channels were found to be the primary cause of the destruction.
“We have seen firsthand the severe blockages in key drainage systems,” said Luyirika.
“These issues are exacerbating flooding in already vulnerable neighborhoods. Despite the substantial funds that have been allocated to these projects, progress has been frustratingly slow.”
In response to growing concerns, KCCA recently approved a comprehensive drainage system overhaul aimed at tackling the city's flooding crisis.
This ambitious plan will see the partnership with capable local investors to modernize Kampala's drainage infrastructure, focusing on upgrading open drainage channels, transitioning to underground systems, and implementing sustainable flood mitigation measures.
Flooding has become a major concern in Kampala in recent years, particularly during the rainy seasons.
Many neighbourhoods have experienced devastating floods, leading to loss of life, displacement, and the destruction of property.
The month of March closed with a deadly flooding in Kampala in which at least seven people were killed and transport brought to its knees.
In 2024, flooding in areas like Wandegeya, Kawempe, and Nakawa caused significant damage, highlighting the need for urgent and long-term solutions to safeguard residents from future disasters.
The recent rainfall, which triggered flash floods, submerged roads and homes, leaving hundreds stranded and prompting emergency response efforts.
The councilors are now calling for a streamlined approach to ensure that funds and resources are used efficiently to meet the demands of this pressing issue.
“The flooding situation has reached critical levels, and it’s time to implement the long-term solutions we’ve been planning for,” Luyirika emphasized.
“The city deserves better, and we must act now to prevent future devastation.”
KCCA’s planned drainage overhaul is expected to improve the city's resilience to heavy rains and reduce the economic and social costs of flooding.
However, the clock is ticking as residents continue to endure the ongoing challenges posed by inadequate drainage systems.
With the approval of the project, officials have promised that there will be greater focus on accelerating construction efforts, ensuring that major flood-prone areas are prioritized.
As Kampala continues to grow rapidly, the city's drainage issues remain one of its most significant urban challenges.
Ensuring that the drainage system is up to modern standards will be key to managing the city's future development and protecting the lives and property of its residents.