The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Council has taken a major step toward addressing Kampala’s chronic flooding problem by approving a resolution to partner with capable local investors in upgrading, covering, and modernizing the city’s drainage systems.
This decision comes as the city struggles with worsening floods caused by outdated infrastructure, poor waste management, and rapid urbanization.
During a heated session on April 3, 2025, councilors also rejected Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago’s accusations against businessman Dr. Hajji Hamis Kiggundu and former Acting Executive Director Frank Nyakana Rusa, dismissing them as unfounded, politically driven, and malicious.
Instead of endorsing Lukwago’s claims, the council awarded Rusa for his outstanding service and declared support for private-sector partnerships as the way forward in fixing the city’s infrastructure mess.
Members further resolved to collaborate with local investors like Kiggundu to tackle Kampala’s worsening flood crisis, marking a shift toward practical solutions over political theatrics.
Recently, the Lord Mayor accused businessman Ham of illegally reconstructing the Jugula drainage channel near Nakivubo, holding him responsible for the severe floods that recently paralyzed Kampala.
He also called for Rusa’s interdiction from his role as Director of Legal Affairs, alleging that he supported the project while serving as Acting Executive Director between September and December 2024.
However, the council, armed with documented evidence, swiftly debunked Lukwago’s claims. Official records showed that Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd, Kiggundu’s company, had lawfully submitted its construction plans, which KCCA reviewed and approved on December 9, 2024.
Furthermore, the KCCA Magistrate Court had dismissed the charges Lukwago cited on January 14, 2025, noting they had been improperly filed against Kiggundu personally instead of his company—violating the legal principle of limited liability.
Councilors condemned the allegations as baseless, biased, and legally flawed. They criticized Lukwago for fueling personal vendettas instead of providing leadership based on facts and development priorities.
Members emphasized that Kampala’s flood crisis was primarily caused by years of neglect, poor waste disposal, and outdated infrastructure not by developers like Ham Enterprises, who are actively working to modernize the city.
Ironically, while major areas of Kampala including Clock Tower, Kawempe, Natete, Kamwokya, Kinawataka, Forest Mall Nakawa, Zana, and parts of the Northern Bypass were submerged in floods during March, the areas around Nakivubo remained dry.
The council pointed to this as undeniable proof of the effectiveness of the Jugula channel project under Ham Enterprises, executed during Rusa’s tenure as Acting Executive Director.
In a striking twist, the council shifted focus from Lukwago’s allegations to Rusa’s contributions, awarding him a Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding service.
Inscribed with the words “We appreciate your noble service for the Capital City (Kampala) as Acting E.D.,” the award was presented amid resounding applause.
Photos of Rusa proudly holding the framed certificate against the backdrop of the Ugandan and KCCA flags quickly went viral.
This meeting signaled a decisive change in KCCA’s approach to flood management. The council resolved to work closely with credible local investors to upgrade the city’s drainage systems, particularly as central government funding remains inadequate and foreign aid continues to decline.
Drawing inspiration from modern cities that have invested in underground drainage systems, the council stressed the urgency of moving away from Kampala’s outdated open drainage channels, which are easily blocked by solid waste.
Members also warned against politicizing development efforts, urging unity in the pursuit of Kampala’s progress.
The council delivered a powerful message: KCCA exists to serve all Ugandans, not to be distracted by personal rivalries or political grudges. It further called on government entities to support local investors who have the capacity to address real urban challenges rather than frustrating their efforts.
The events of April 3 left no doubt while Lukwago entered the session seeking to discredit others, he walked out politically wounded, his credibility shaken by a council resolute in its commitment to development.
As Kampala moves forward, the city may finally be turning a corner one driven by partnership, progress, and homegrown leadership, rather than endless political battles
