Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has demanded that the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), businessman Hamis Kiggundu, commonly known as Ham, and the central government compensate victims of Monday’s floods in downtown Kampala.
Lukwago warned that if the affected people/ traders are not compensated, he will take the matter to court.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday at the City hall in Kampala, the Lord Mayor described the flooding, which destroyed property and disrupted business activities , as a “man-made disaster.” He blamed both the developer of the Nakivubo Channel and several government agencies for negligence and impunity.
“No one can claim they didn’t see this coming. We raised red flags. We sounded the alarm. What’s happening downtown is impunity in broad daylight,” Lukwago said.
He accused Ham of illegally putting up a commercial building under the guise of constructing a drainage channel, saying the project lacks approved building plans and environmental permits.
“Ham doesn’t have approved plans. He’s building a commercial complex, not a drainage system. He illegally acquired that land and hasn’t secured a permit from NEMA. No environmental study has been done as required,” Lukwago stated.
Lukwago also faulted Parliament for failing to take timely action, accusing the Speaker and Members of Parliament of neglecting their oversight role.
“Parliament has not meaningfully engaged with KCCA on this matter. They should have investigated, produced a report, and recommended remedial action. Their inaction makes them equally culpable,” he added.
The Lord Mayor condemned what he called “acts of impunity” by Ham and his associates, saying their activities directly led to the floods that destroyed several businesses in downtown Kampala.
“We sympathize with the business community that lost merchandise, but it’s clear this was caused by sheer recklessness on the part of Ham, his associates, and certain actors within KCCA and the central government,” Lukwago said.
He revealed that he has formally asked KCCA to arrest and prosecute Ham for defying stop-work orders issued earlier.
“If a notice was issued to halt his activities and he defied it, why hasn’t he been arrested? We are exploring legal options to ensure victims are compensated by both Ham and KCCA. If necessary, we shall go to court,” he warned.
Lukwago further urged Parliament to stop what he termed as “pretend investigations” and take concrete action to address the situation.