Museveni Promises Support for downTown affected Traders, PM Nabbanja okays Nakivubo Redevelopment continuation

President Yoweri Museveni has addressed the recent severe flooding in downtown Kampala announcing that those who lost property and lives during the floods will be compensated.

Regarding the allegations that Ham’s construction activities blocked the drainage channel, Museveni stated that “if it’s true Ham blocked the drainage channel, the mistake will be corrected”.

Museveni in August 2025 approved Ham’s proposal to cover and redevelop the channel area, calling it “imaginative and simple” and “godly” because it aimed to address the perennial problem of garbage dumping in the open channel. The plan was intended to allow Kiggundu to build properties above the channel to recover his costs.

Following recent flooding in downtown Kampala, businessman Hamis Kiggundu (Ham) welcomed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja’s guidance and pledged to implement government recommendations to improve water flow in the Nakivubo channel.

 

During the Prime Minister’s tour of the flood-affected areas and the Nakivubo channel construction site, Hamis Kiggundu commiserated with the flood victims.

Kiggundu noted that the area has “always had flooding challenges” and that the channel is being redeveloped to address this long-standing issue.

He mentioned that sections of the channel were covered for safety reasons related to the nearby stadium project.

Crucially, he agreed to incorporate new recommendations from KCCA and the government, including adding more culverts and enhancing water flow, to prevent future flooding.

Prime Minister Nabbanja’s visit came after heavy rains caused extensive property damage.

During her inspection, Nabbanja who also approved the continuation of the construction work, provided the drainage improvements are carried out, asked  Kiggundu to open up space for additional culverts to allow water to flow more freely.

She also advised Ham to coordinate closely with experts from KCCA and the Ministry of Works to ensure the construction meets required standards.