RUSA VISITS JUGULA CHANNEL, ST BALIKUDDEMBE CHURCH OVER HAM’S DEVELOPMENTS

The Acting Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Frank Rusa, visited Jugula drainage Channel and St Balikuddembe Catholic Church to assess the impact of ongoing developments by Ham Enterprises. 

Accompanied by his deputy, Robert Nowere and senior officials from the Physical Planning Directorate and the Roads and Drainage departments, the team sought to understand the impact of ongoing developments in the area. 

The visit followed concerns over recent flooding in St. Balikuddembe (Owino) Market, which traders and stakeholders attributed to construction activities by Ham Enterprises. There are also concerns over the blockage of the access road to St. Balikuddembe Catholic Church. The inspection aimed to evaluate the situation and ensure adherence to KCCA’s physical planning guidelines. 

Rusa emphasized the importance of ensuring that all developments adhere to KCCA’s physical planning guidelines and do not exacerbate the city’s flooding challenges. 

"We wanted to understand whether the flooding is directly caused by the developments in this area and to ensure that all constructions comply with our physical planning requirements. For this reason, we have halted all construction works until our technical team completes a thorough assessment," Rusa said.

Hamis Kiggundu the Director of Ham Enterprises the developer of Nakivubo Stadium and Ham Shopping Mall assured KCCA of full cooperation.

"I am glad KCCA has come to conduct this assessment. I am committed to pausing development until the technical team provides their guidance. St. Balikuddembe Catholic Church is a significant historical site, and I will ensure the church has full access," Ham said. 

The church, a historical and cultural site in Kampala, serves not only the local community but also visitors to the nearby stadium and market.

“We are having discussions with the Archbishop of Kampala to ensure we get an understanding, but I have told him that I’m going to provide access to the church,” Ham said,

He also pledged to enhance the church's surroundings by improving signage and beautifying the area to accommodate the many visitors, including those accessing nearby markets and the stadium. 

KCCA’s team highlighted that the review will focus on mitigating flooding, improving drainage systems, and safeguarding public access to key landmarks.

Rusa expressed optimism that collaborative efforts with developers can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient Kampala. 

The findings of KCCA’s technical team will inform the next steps in resolving the flooding issue and ensuring that all developments enhance rather than hinder the city’s infrastructure.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer