Nakivubo Channel Row Deepens as Ham Starts Works After Museveni Directive

The controversy surrounding the redevelopment of Kampala’s troubled Nakivubo drainage channel escalated last week after Kiham Enterprises Ltd, owned by businessman Hamis Kiggundu, moved equipment and began construction directly on the channel.

The works followed a viral August 2nd letter from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in which he described Kiggundu’s plan to cover, redevelop, and commercialize the drainage as “imaginative and simple.” In the letter, the President directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to facilitate the handover of the channel to Mr. Kiggundu, effectively greenlighting the project.

Lukwago, KCCA Cry Foul

The move has since drawn sharp criticism from Kampala leaders and environmentalists. Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago branded the project “illegal and fraudulent,” arguing that a presidential directive cannot override statutory approvals such as environmental impact assessments and KCCA planning processes.

“Handing over a public drainage to a private developer without following the law is a betrayal of Kampala residents,” Lukwago charged, warning that covering the channel could worsen the city’s perennial flooding.

KCCA had earlier halted construction, citing lack of clearance, but its enforcement teams were blocked by the Police when they attempted to intervene, sparking accusations of political interference.

COSASE Steps In

The standoff reached Parliament on August 26, when the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) opened hearings into the matter.

The committee summoned KCCA officials, the Minister for Kampala, the Lord Mayor, the Council Speaker, the Inspector General of Police, and Mr. Kiggundu to explain:

1. Why construction commenced without statutory approvals.
   
2. Why Police obstructed KCCA’s enforcement teams.
   
3. Whether Museveni’s directive has any legal basis to override urban planning laws.
   

COSASE Chairpersons warned that the handover of public infrastructure to a private investor raises serious questions of legality, accountability, and institutional independence. Kiggundu was ordered to personally appear and justify his actions.

A Clash of Power and Public Interest

The redevelopment plan has sharply divided opinion. Proponents argue it will modernize the city’s drainage and unlock commercial opportunities, especially with Uganda set to host AFCON 2027, while opponents warn it could turn Kampala into a flooding disaster zone.

The battle lines are now clear: a powerful businessman armed with presidential endorsement on one side, and city leaders, environmentalists, and legislators demanding adherence to the law on the other.

As COSASE continues its inquiry, the future of the Nakivubo Channel, and by extension Kampala’s drainage system, hangs in the balance.