PRIME MINISTER NABBANJA TOURS FLOOD HIT ARCADES

The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, on Tuesday toured flood-affected arcades in downtown Kampala and ongoing drainage works along the Nakivubo Channel, following last week’s heavy rains that caused extensive flooding and property loss in the central business district.

The inspection, carried out under a presidential directive, sought to assess the extent of damage and guide immediate and long-term interventions to prevent future flooding.

The tour began at Sekaziga Building, where traders lost merchandise worth millions of shillings, before proceeding to Total Plaza, French Plaza, Pentagon City Plaza, Capital Center, Freedom Center, Nabukeera Plaza, Premier Center, and Nana Center.

During the visit, the Prime Minister interacted with affected traders who shared their experiences and concerns following the floods that hit on October 31, 2025.

“I’m here on a presidential directive to understand what happened and how traders lost their property,” Nabbanja said. “We will compile a report for the President and explore how those affected can be supported. We are very sorry for the losses you have suffered.”

The Premier was accompanied by the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, the State Minister for Kampala, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki.

The inspection team later proceeded to the Nakivubo Channel, where ongoing redevelopment works are being undertaken by businessman Hamis Kiggundu (Ham).

At the site, the Prime Minister raised concern over blocked and limited culvert crossings, which she said restrict stormwater flow and could exacerbate flooding.

“The culvert crossings that are supposed to carry storm water to the drainage channel are too limited,” Nabbanja observed. “I want more culverts added to carry as much water as possible. If it rains again, we don’t know what may happen. The closed culverts must be opened.”

KCCA Executive Director, Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki, informed the Prime Minister that the Authority had already issued technical guidance to the developer to ensure the safe flow of stormwater and compliance with urban drainage standards.

“We have guided the contractor to remove construction debris, expand pipes, and improve stormwater flow,” Buzeki said. “On the broader project, KCCA is ensuring that all works align with the city’s drainage master plan.”

Buzeki reaffirmed KCCA’s commitment to sustainable flood management through long-term drainage planning, enhanced compliance monitoring, and close coordination with developers and local communities.

“Our focus is not only on responding to floods but on building a flood-resilient Kampala that can withstand extreme weather events,” she emphasized.

Developer Hamis Kiggundu welcomed the Prime Minister’s guidance and pledged to implement the recommendations issued by KCCA and government.

“We have always had flooding challenges in this area, and this channel is being developed to address that. Because it is close to the stadium, we were required to cover some sections for safety reasons. However, we will incorporate the new recommendations to add more culverts and enhance water flow,” Kiggundu said.

The Authority continues to work with government ministries, agencies, and private developers to enhance drainage capacity, enforce building compliance, and minimize flood risks across the five city divisions.

KCCA remains committed to implementing sustainable urban drainage solutions that protect lives, safeguard property, and promote a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Kampala.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer