In a landmark decision poised to reshape Kampala’s fight against urban flooding, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Council has voted to engage qualified local investors to spearhead the redevelopment, coverage, and modernization of the city’s aging drainage systems.
The resolution, passed during a fiery council session on April 3, comes after Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago’s accusations against city developer Dr. Hajji Hamis Kiggundu and former Acting Executive Director Frank Nyakana Rusa were flatly rejected as unfounded and politically driven.
💥 Lukwago’s Accusations Dismissed
During the session, Lukwago claimed that unauthorized works by Kiggundu on the Jugula channel around Nakivubo were the cause of Kampala’s recent floods. He also sought disciplinary action against Rusa, alleging complicity in approving the project.
However, councilors presented documentation confirming that Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd lawfully submitted and secured KCCA approval for the works in December 2024, and that the Magistrate Court had dismissed related charges against Kiggundu in January 2025.
Councilors lambasted Lukwago’s conduct as an “abuse of office,” warning that such baseless claims undermine investor confidence and city progress.
🏅 Rusa Celebrated, Not Condemned
In a sharp turn of events, Frank Nyakana Rusa was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for his service during his interim term as Acting Executive Director. Rusa was commended for supervising the Nakivubo project, which successfully prevented flooding in that area even during record rainfall.
Photos from KCCA show Rusa proudly holding the award, backed by national and city flags—a symbol of restored professional confidence.
🏗️ A New Era: Private Sector to Drive Drainage Transformation
The council’s resolution marks a shift toward public-private collaboration. Acknowledging budget shortfalls and limited external support, the council agreed to engage local investors in building modern, enclosed drainage networks to replace Kampala’s aging, flood-prone systems.
Councilors cited successful models from cities like Kigali and Lagos and stressed that homegrown solutions—when properly regulated—offer a sustainable path forward.
What This Means for Kampala
This council decision may signal a changing tide in city governance—from political finger-pointing to practical, investment-driven solutions. Lukwago’s narrative has lost ground, while Rusa and Kiggundu emerge as unlikely heroes in the push for urban transformation.
As the dust settles, all eyes are on KCCA to deliver—and for city leaders to finally unite in the face of Kampala’s most persistent threat: floods.
