KAMPALA — The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Council has voted to actively partner with competent local investors to develop, cover, and upgrade drainage infrastructure across the city in a decisive move to tackle Kampala’s perennial flooding crisis.
The resolution, passed during a charged council session on Friday, April 3, 2025, also saw councilors firmly reject recent accusations leveled by Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago against businessman Dr. Hajji Hamis Kiggundu and former Acting Executive Director Frank Nyakana Rusa, dismissing Lukwago’s claims as politically motivated and legally unsound.
Instead, the council opted to formally commend Rusa for his exemplary service during his tenure, asserting that strategic partnerships with the private sector, under close KCCA oversight, offer the most viable and sustainable path to resolving Kampala’s chronic flood disasters.
The council’s decision came after a robust debate that underscored the urgent need for effective solutions to the city’s recurring flooding, which has caused significant disruption and economic losses for residents and businesses.
Lukwago had publicly accused Dr. Kiggundu’s Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd. of illegally reconstructing the Jugula drainage channel near Nakivubo, alleging that this work was a primary cause of the recent devastating floods that crippled parts of Kampala.
He had further demanded the interdiction of Frank Nyakana Rusa, currently the Director of Legal Affairs at KCCA, claiming that Rusa had improperly backed the project while serving as Acting Executive Director between September and December 2024.
However, council members presented official KCCA documentation that revealed Ham Enterprises had followed due process, submitting all construction plans for the drainage works which were subsequently reviewed and approved by the KCCA on December 9, 2024.
Adding to the rebuttal of Lukwago’s accusations, the council highlighted that the KCCA magistrate court had unequivocally dismissed the specific charges cited by the Lord Mayor against Dr. Kiggundu on January 14, 2025.
Councillors further emphasized that these dismissed charges had been incorrectly filed against Dr. Kiggundu personally, rather than his company, Ham Enterprises, a clear violation of the legal principle of limited liability.
Numerous councillors voiced strong criticism of Lukwago’s approach, characterizing his actions as driven by personal vendettas and a disregard for factual accuracy and legal procedure, rather than a genuine commitment to addressing the city’s developmental challenges.
His conduct was labeled as unprofessional, with members stressing that the long-standing causes of Kampala’s widespread flooding include years of inadequate maintenance of drainage systems, the persistent problem of improper solid waste disposal that clogs open drains, and a fundamental lack of modern, robust drainage infrastructure—issues that private sector developers like Ham Enterprises were actively working to mitigate.
In a notable contradiction to Lukwago’s assertions, the council pointed out that during the significant flooding events in March that affected numerous areas across Kampala—including Clock Tower, Kawempe, Natete, Kamwokya, Kinawataka, Forest Mall Nakawa, Zana, and sections of the Northern Bypass—the area immediately surrounding Nakivubo Market, where Ham Enterprises had carried out the Jugula channel works under the oversight of Rusa during his time as acting ED, remained conspicuously dry.
This observation was presented by the council as compelling evidence of the effectiveness and positive impact of the drainage improvements undertaken by Ham Enterprises. In a symbolic gesture of support and recognition, the council then shifted its focus to Frank Nyakana Rusa, presenting him with a Certificate of Appreciation for his dedicated and exemplary service to the Capital City during his tenure as Acting Executive Director.
The award, inscribed with the words “We appreciate your noble service for the Capital City (Kampala) as Acting E.D.,” was handed over amidst sustained applause from the council members, with images of Rusa holding the framed certificate quickly circulating on social media platforms.
The council’s session marked a significant turning point in KCCA’s strategic approach to managing Kampala’s persistent flooding challenges. Members unanimously resolved that the authority must proactively forge partnerships with credible local investors who possess the expertise and resources to develop and upgrade the city’s aging and insufficient drainage systems, particularly in the context of limited financial support from the central government and a continuing trend of declining foreign aid.
Drawing comparisons with modern urban centers that have successfully implemented comprehensive underground drainage networks, the council underscored the urgent need for Kampala to transition away from its outdated open drainage channels, which are highly susceptible to blockage by solid waste and significantly contribute to flooding. Councillors strongly cautioned against the politicization of crucial development initiatives and called for a unified approach among all stakeholders in advancing Kampala’s progress.
They reiterated that KCCA’s fundamental mandate is to serve all residents of Kampala impartially and effectively, prioritizing the city’s overall well-being over personal animosities or political rivalries. Furthermore, the council issued a strong appeal to relevant government entities to actively support, rather than hinder, local investors who demonstrate the capacity to provide practical and sustainable solutions to the city’s pressing urban challenges.
The events of April 3rd left a clear indication of the prevailing sentiment within the KCCA Council.
While Lord Mayor Lukwago had seemingly sought to criticize and undermine development efforts, he ultimately emerged from the session with his credibility challenged by a united council determined to prioritize tangible solutions, progress, and the empowerment of local expertise and investment in addressing Kampala’s long-standing flooding woes.
As Kampala looks towards the future, there is a growing sense of optimism that the city may finally be embarking on a more effective and collaborative path in tackling its persistent flooding problems—a path built on strategic partnerships, tangible progress, and the recognition of homegrown leadership and solutions.
