By David Serumaga
On March 27, 2025, while addressing the media from his chambers at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago alleged that the recent flooding in Kampala—which tragically claimed seven lives—was caused by prominent businessman and investor Dr. Hamis Kiggundu.
Lukwago expressed his frustration over a televised discussion in which Dr. Kiggundu and former KCCA Acting Executive Director, Mr. Frank Rusa, explored strategies to combat flooding in Kampala’s Central Business District. In what appeared to be a politically charged statement lacking concrete evidence, the Lord Mayor claimed that the flooding stemmed from upgrades to the Nakivubo–Jugula drainage channel undertaken by Dr. Kiggundu.
However, during the media briefing, Lukwago did not clarify whether Nakivubo/St Balikudembe was actually affected by the recent heavy rains—an omission that significantly undermined the credibility of his allegations.
Responding to the Lord Mayor’s remarks, former Acting KCCA Executive Director Mr. Rusa clarified that past flooding in St. Balikudembe was primarily due to silting. He noted that Ham Enterprises had undertaken desilting works in the area under KCCA supervision—an intervention that has since mitigated the flooding crisis.
Despite the heavy rainfall in March—which persisted for over eight hours and resulted in fatalities, transportation disruptions, and economic losses—Nakivubo/St Balikudembe remained unaffected. Business operations in the area continued without interruption, and no flooding was reported.
The improvement in flood control around Nakivubo/St Balikudembe is largely credited to Dr. Kiggundu’s strict compliance with guidelines from KCCA’s Physical Planning and Building Committee. These efforts have led to better water flow, a cleaner environment, and greater community resilience.
It is becoming increasingly clear that the Lord Mayor may be deflecting blame for his administration’s shortcomings by politicizing flood management. This kind of rhetoric is outdated and unproductive. The public deserves accountable leadership and evidence-based solutions.
It is illogical to blame Dr. Kiggundu for flooding in distant areas such as Lugogo, Kawempe, Bwaise, Nakawa, Kyambogo, Banda, Jinja Road, Mukwano, and Clock Tower, while Nakivubo/St Balikudembe—where his work is concentrated—remains flood-free.
Suggesting that Dr. Kiggundu is responsible for the indiscriminate littering, plastic waste, and kaveera pollution choking Kampala’s drainage systems is not only misleading, but also diminishes the complexity of the city’s environmental challenges. These issues demand collective responsibility—not scapegoating.
Rather than shifting blame, it would be more constructive for His Worship Lukwago to focus on delivering tangible solutions. After over two decades in leadership, Kampala’s residents expect more than finger-pointing. Leadership should be defined by action, not lamentation.
With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, the electorate is increasingly demanding results, not theatrics. It is time for the Lord Mayor to strengthen his People’s Freedom Front beyond Katonga Road and move past baseless political attacks.
KCCA’s recent push for public-private partnerships in drainage management—particularly with credible local investors—is a commendable and much-needed step. Kampala urgently requires a modern, efficient drainage system—free of litter, blockages, and political distraction.
The writer is a concerned Concerned Citizen
