Sorry about the floods, City Dwellers, but Hamis Kiggundu’s solution might be the answer
By Kalungi Nicholas
On Monday, 6th October, Kampala experienced one of the heaviest downpours in my recent memory. The rains brought the city to its knees; with water overflowing through the Central Business District; flooding arcades, parks, commercial buildings, and homes alike. Shops were soaked, goods floated away, some vehicles were submerged, and business came to a standstill across all sectors. It was a distressing scene that touched every well-meaning Ugandan.In the aftermath, a public debate quickly ensued and, unfortunately, much of it took a political tone.
Many commentators pointed fingers at Dr. Hajji Hamis Kiggundu aka Ham and his Ham Group, accusing them of blocking the Nakivubo drainage channel during redevelopment without providing an alternative water route.
The banter on TikTok took a Ham vs Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago direction as the latter has been critical of the developments undertaken by the Ham on this channel. In mid August, the Lord Mayor even petitioned the Inspectorate of Government (IG) to halt these works. Yet, we must take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Ham was entrusted with the monumental task of transforming the Nakivubo drainage channel – once an open, hazardous, and unsightly trench – into a modern, smart, and safe urban drainage system that will redefine Kampala’s landscape.
According to the Observer Newspaper, this USD50m [Shs 180bn] redevelopment would turn this foul, crime-ridden channel into the city’s lifeline..It takes vision and immense courage to take on such a bold project. In the 63 years of Uganda’s independence, no one had dared to do it. Dr. Hamis Kiggundu not only dared to dream but also took the practical steps to make that dream a reality.After receiving approval for his redevelopment plan, he committed his private resources to execute it; a gesture that reflects both faith and patriotism.
The project is now progressing at high speed, and every well-meaning Ugandan should hope that it is completed as envisioned in the approved designs and shared concept videos.However, we must acknowledge a simple truth: Kampala’s flooding problem did not start yesterday. It is a decades-old issue rooted in poor urban planning and bad administrative decisions. The city has long needed a lasting solution; and finally, one is taking shape.
The recent floods were undoubtedly unfortunate, and those affected deserve attention, engagement, and, where possible, some relief. But at the same time, we must rally behind those attempting to fix the problem. Dr. Hamis and his team need all the support they can get to finish the Nakivubo redevelopment and deliver the transformation we all desire. Blaming him for the current floods, while the project is still ongoing, is both premature and unfair. Let’s give him time to complete the work. Clearly, this is no a case of a solution that is looking for a problem. The problem has been with us for far too long and we must appreciate the solution that is Kiggundu is providing. If, after completion, the flood problem persists, everyone will be with in their rights to apportion blame. But until then, let’s stand on the side of progress and allow this bold initiative to unfold.
For God and My Country.
The Writer is Mr. Nicholas Kalungi, a Digital and Communications Consultant. nicholaskalungi@gmail.com
