A heavy downpour that started at around 5 a.m. has left several parts of Kampala City submerged in floodwaters, causing major disruptions to businesses and transport.
Key roads, including Jinja Road near the Electoral Commission, kyambogo, Banda and sections of the Northern Bypass, have been rendered impassable. Areas such as Forest Mall and Lugogo Bypass are currently experiencing flooding.
Micheal Kananura, the Public relations officer directorate of Traffic and Road Safety urged motorists and road users in the affected areas to be patient and wait until the water subsides.
“Due to heavy rainfall this morning, the areas of Banda, Kyambogo & Kinawataka (Katogo) have become impassable. Motorists are advised to use the Northern Bypass as an alternative route to avoid delays & inconveniences.
Alternatively, please be patient & wait until the water subsides,” Michael Kananura said.
Stranded motorists and pedestrians expressed frustration over the persistent flooding, blaming poor drainage systems and the continued encroachment on wetlands.
Many business owners lamented losses as floodwaters invaded shops and stalls, making it impossible to operate.
“Every rainy season, it’s the same story. Our businesses are affected because the roads flood, customers can’t reach us, and goods get destroyed,” said a trader in downtown Kampala.
Infrastructure specialist and engineer Henry Akatuhurira emphasized that floods in Kampala can be controlled with better urban planning and drainage system improvements.
“Floods in Kampala can be mitigated by improving drainage systems, planting vegetation, enforcing proper land use planning, upgrading infrastructure, creating flood barriers, and promoting community awareness on flood risks and mitigation strategies,” he stated.
Meanwhile, environmentalists and concerned citizens have pointed fingers at government agencies for allowing wetland encroachment, which has worsened the flooding problem.
“We continue to block nature’s channels by building in swamps and clogging drains with debris,” one resident noted.
Motorists have been urged by fellows who fell victim to either stay put or drive cautiously through the affected areas to avoid accidents.
“The roads are unsafe at the moment. We advise fellow drivers to slow down or remain where they are until the floodwaters recede,” John Katende a taxi driver said
Allan Ssempebwa, the Communications officer at Ministry of Works and Transport has confirmed the flooding urging motorists to avoid the most affected areas listed.
“Heavy rains this morning have caused flooding along sections of the Kampala Northern Bypass—particularly around Kyebando and Sentema–Namungoona. Motorists, esp. those with low-clearance vehicles, are advised to avoid these areas and use alternative routes. Drive with caution and stay safe!!,” he said on X.
As Kampala residents grapple with yet another bout of severe flooding, the need for long-term solutions to the city’s drainage woes remains urgent.
Many are calling on authorities to take immediate action before the situation worsens in future rainy seasons.
