Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has publicly accused businessman Hamis Kiggundu of illegally constructing a structure on the Nakivubo water channel, exacerbating the city’s flooding issues.
During a press conference at City Hall, Lukwago declared his intent to halt Kiggundu’s actions, dismissing a KCCA council resolution from April 3, 2025, that permitted Kiggundu’s company, Ham Enterprises, to develop the drainage channel.
Lukwago labeled the construction as unlawful and an abuse of Kampala’s physical planning procedures, alleging Kiggundu employed goons to push the project forward unchallenged.
“I have come to disregard the council resolution that permitted businessman Ham Kiggundu to construct an illegal structure along the Nakivubo Water Channel. This action is illegal and needs to stop with immediate effect,” Lukwago said.
He said his actions are driven by his mandate under the KCCA Act to protect public properties, not personal grudges.
Lukwago talked about past unsuccessful attempts to hold Kiggundu accountable, including legal actions and court summons, which he claims were undermined by former KCCA acting Executive Director, Frank Rusa.
“I have now asked John Mary Ssebuwufu, the city secretary for works, to collaborate with David Lewis Rubongoya, the secretary general of the National Unity Platform (NUP), to mobilize city councillors, MPs, and mayors for urgent action,” he said.
Yet KCCA council records and other media reports present a contrasting narrative. On April 3, 2025, the KCCA council dismissed Lukwago’s allegations against Kiggundu and Rusa as baseless and politically motivated, citing approved construction plans submitted by Ham Enterprises on December 9, 2024.
The council noted that the Nakivubo area remained flood-free during heavy rains in March 2025, unlike other parts of Kampala, crediting Kiggundu’s drainage improvements. They also honoured Rusa for his oversight, rejecting Lukwago’s call for his interdiction.
Additionally, a KCCA magistrate court dismissed charges against Kiggundu for being improperly filed against him personally rather than his company.
Efforts to reach Kiggundu and Minsa Kabanda, the minister for Kampala, for comment were unsuccessful.
