By KT Reporter
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has asked the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to take legal action against businessman Hamis Kigundu for allegedly constructing on the Nakivubo drainage channel without necessary approvals.
Recently, President Yoweri Museveni endorsed Kiggundu’s proposal to redevelop the Nakivubo Drainage Channel in a letter dated August 2, 2025, addressed to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. Museveni described Kiggundu’s initiative as “imaginative and simple”. The proposal involves covering and modernising the channel to address persistent problems of waste disposal and flooding.
Kiggundu’s Kiham Enterprises Ltd had deployed heavy machinery, trucks, and a large workforce to the Nakivubo channel. The operations involved covering the channel with iron sheets. However, the process was marked by controversy as Kiggundu hired private security personnel also evicted street vendors operating along the channel, causing disapproval among the affected vendors.
But Kiggundu, who is also leading the redevelopment of Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, claims that the ongoing work on the Nakivubo channel is part of a larger initiative to modernise Kampala’s drainage system and incorporate commercial infrastructure.
On Friday, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) ordered Hamis Kigundu to immediately stop construction work on the Nakivubo channel, citing a lack of necessary statutory clearances. KCCA also instructed Kigundu to remove debris, restore proper stormwater flow, and maintain the hoarded sections of the channel.
“Under the guidance and supervision of KCCA, the developer is to remove all debris in the Channel as a result of his actions, ensure proper flow of storm water and the hoarded section is maintained to avoid any danger to human life and flooding in the area, risks of flooding or harm to human life,” KCCA said in a statement indicated.
On Friday, Lukwago visited the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) headquarters to meet with Executive Director Dr. Barirega Akankwasa and verify whether NEMA has approved Hamis Kiggundu’s plan or issued any clearance for the developments.
Lukwago has since called for NEMA and KCCA to take serious action against Kigundu for proceeding with developments on the Nakivubo channel without the necessary clearances. He emphasised that Kigundu’s actions are illegal, given the absence of approvals from both NEMA and KCCA.
“When it comes to the poor people, NEMA always act swiftly. Those in wetlands like Lubigi, they act in no time, now it’s Ham, and they are talking about endless investigations, inquiries. This has to stop; these acts of impunity should be dealt with.” Lukwago noted.
Akankwasa said that they are still investigating the matter, and they can’t halt the developments without knowing the actual owner of the iron sheets.
He also confirmed that Kigundu applied for the clearance, though they have not been approved
-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
