Kampala, Uganda — President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Minister for General Duties in the Office of the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba, to meet with traders affected by the recent floods that devastated parts of downtown Kampala.
The President’s directive follows public outcry from traders in the Kikuubo business area and surrounding markets, who reported heavy losses after flash floods swept through their shops last week. Many accused government agencies of neglect and poor urban planning that left drainage channels blocked.
Museveni tasked Minister Lumumba to assess the full extent of the damages and coordinate compensation for the affected traders. He also ordered a technical evaluation to determine whether the ongoing construction projects by businessman Hamis Kiggundu’s company, Ham Enterprises, contributed to the flooding.
“I have instructed Minister Lumumba to meet the affected traders and find out what exactly happened. We must also establish whether the works by Ham Enterprises interfered with the drainage system,” Museveni said.
The President’s intervention comes amid growing tension between Kampala’s political leaders and developers over the controversial redevelopment of the Nakivubo area and adjacent wetlands.
Lukwago Demands Accountability
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has called for the arrest and prosecution of tycoon Ham Kiggundu, accusing him of carrying out illegal works that obstructed natural water flow, leading to the recent floods.
“Ham must be arrested and brought before the courts of law to answer for the mess his construction works have caused,” Lukwago told journalists at City Hall on Monday. “This is a clear case of environmental abuse facilitated by impunity.”
The Lord Mayor also blamed the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for allegedly approving and turning a blind eye to developments on wetlands.
Traders and Associations Sue NEMA, KCCA, and Ham Enterprises
In a related development, the Kampala Traders Association (KATA) and the Federation of Arcade Traders Association (FATA) have jointly filed a suit against NEMA, KCCA, and Ham Enterprises, accusing them of negligence and environmental degradation that caused the flooding and destruction of property.
The traders want the High Court to compel the government and the developer to compensate all victims and restore the affected drainage systems to prevent future disasters.
