KAMPALA-UGANDA | For decades, Kampala’s Nakivubo Channel stood as a scar in the city, bringing floods, waste, and danger to both residents and businesses. That history now nears its end. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) confirmed that the Nakivubo Channel redevelopment plan by Kiham Enterprise U Limited is under final review after a meeting between officials and Dr. Hamis Kiggundu, the project’s lead investor.
KCCA paused full-scale construction until the submitted designs receive final clearance. Yet it allowed limited work to continue, including cleaning, unblocking, and silt removal, to keep water flowing. Hoarding will stay around the channel as a safety measure. The Authority also assigned a technical team to guide the project, ensuring compliance with engineering rules, environmental safeguards, and urban planning standards.
For years, Nakivubo Channel created constant problems. Solid waste often blocked water, floods disrupted downtown businesses, and many lives were lost to accidental falls. Criminals even used the trench as a hideout. The redevelopment aims to fix these dangers by converting the channel into a modern underground drainage system. The new design will also add walkways, green spaces, and organized utilities to restore safety and dignity in the area.
The project carries national weight. Inspectors from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) warned that the open channel does not meet requirements for Uganda to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027. They recommended its closure as a condition for approval. With Ham’s Nakivubo Stadium already certified, the drainage project remains the last major hurdle for Uganda’s AFCON readiness.
KCCA’s confirmation of progress signals hope for residents and traders. Although approvals slowed the pace, the redevelopment shows Uganda’s determination to modernize Kampala and solve long-standing urban risks. The partnership between private investment and public authority now stands as proof that collaboration can transform the city into a safer, cleaner, and modern environment.
