The High Court has set December 11, 2025 as the hearing date in a case filed by traders seeking compensation from businessman Hamis Kiggundu, the developer of Nakivubo Channel, after their businesses were destroyed by flooding.
In early November, several traders around the Nakivubo Channel lost goods worth millions of shillings when their shops were submerged. The affected buildings sit close to the channel, and the traders blame the flooding on poor planning during the ongoing reconstruction works.
They say the redesign of the channel caused water to overflow into their premises. Many have since been left stranded, with no compensation offered, prompting them to seek the court’s intervention.
The traders, through the Uganda National Traders Alliance, filed their case on November 7. The alliance president, Godfrey Katongole, said they turned to court after being ignored by the relevant authorities.
On Thursday, registrar Simon Kintu Zirintuusa directed the three respondents; Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and Kiggundu to appear to present their defence.
All three respondents are accused of contributing to the flooding that led to significant financial losses for traders in the city centre.
The traders’ lawyer, Joseph Luzige, said his clients welcomed the court’s decision to give the respondents time to prepare their defence, adding that the traders remain committed to pursuing justice.
Katongole insisted that the traders deserve full compensation for their losses. He said Kiggundu should be at the centre of the compensation effort since the construction works are linked to the flooding.
He also called for a temporary halt to the reconstruction of the channel until a proper plan is shared with the public, arguing that similar incidents are likely to happen if the project continues in its current form.
