Kampala businessman, Hamis Kiggundu has defended the ongoing erection of structures atop Nakivubo channel saying everything was cleared by KCCA.
In a statement on Sunday, the businessman through his company, Ham Enterprises said defended the ongoing construction works as part of the redevelopment of Nakivubo Stadium aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure.
“It is crucial to emphasize that the development plans in question were approved by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). This regulatory body plays a key role in overseeing all development projects within the city, ensuring they meet necessary standards and compliance measures. Therefore, any claims suggesting that these developments are unauthorized do not reflect the established facts,” Ham said.
Trespassing on Catholics land
There have also been reports that Kiggundu was constructing on land belonging to the catholic church which he is said to have trespassed on.
However, in the statement, the businessman dismissed the claims as being unfounded.
A May 28, 2024 memorandum from the KCCA director of physical planning addressed to the director of physical planning indicates that Kiggundu requested to be allowed to open boundaries for Jugula Channel near St.Balikuddembe Catholic Shrine in Owino.
The subsequent survey report indicates that based on the records of the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Jugula drainage channel has no planned drainage reserve.
“The existing drain falls partly within the Nakivubo close and partly on the neighbouring Plots 3 and 4, Nakivubo Close,” the report reads in part.
The report adds that the existing wall fence and foundation planned to enclose the church partially encloses on Nakivubo Close.
“St.Balikuddembe market stalls encroach on Nakivubo Close by approximately 7.8m,” the survey report adds.
In the Sunday statement, the businessman dismissed claims that ongoing works are to blame for floods in St. Balikuddembe market following the Saturday heavy downpour.
“Attributing recent flooding events solely to these projects overlooks the broader environmental context affecting our entire country. We must approach these discussions with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges we face.”
“Let us embrace the opportunities that responsible investments bring, as they are instrumental in shaping a prosperous future for our city,” he said.
