KAMPALA, UGANDA – Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has confirmed that the redevelopment plan for the Nakivubo Drainage Channel, submitted by Kiham Enterprise U Ltd, is under final review following a high-level meeting with the company’s proprietor, businessman Dr. Hamis Kiggundu.
For decades, Nakivubo Channel has been one of Kampala’s most pressing urban challenges — an open drainage system notorious for flooding, solid waste blockage, and posing serious safety risks in the city’s busiest business hub. The redevelopment project, spearheaded by Dr. Kiggundu, aims to modernize and beautify the channel, transforming it from a hazard into a model of urban infrastructure.
KCCA revealed that while full-scale construction remains on hold pending final approval of submitted designs, the Authority has permitted ongoing maintenance activities, including cleaning, unblocking, and removing silt and debris to ensure water flow. Safety hoarding around the site will remain in place to protect the public during this transitional stage.
A technical team from KCCA has been assigned to oversee the project, ensuring compliance with engineering standards, environmental safeguards, and urban planning regulations. This step, officials say, will streamline the process and facilitate smooth execution once approvals are secured.
A Long-Standing Problem Nearing a Solution
For years, Nakivubo Channel has symbolized Kampala’s struggles with poor drainage and urban planning. Flooding, business disruptions, and even fatalities linked to the open trench have long plagued residents. The redevelopment plan seeks to resolve these issues by converting the channel into a modern underground drainage system. Beyond water management, the design incorporates walkways, green spaces, and organized urban utilities aimed at enhancing safety and restoring dignity to the area.
National Importance Ahead of AFCON 2027
The project also carries national significance as Uganda prepares to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027. Inspectors from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently flagged Nakivubo Channel as incompatible with international hosting standards, recommending it be covered before the tournament. With the adjacent Nakivubo Stadium already upgraded to international standards, the channel redevelopment remains a key requirement for Uganda’s readiness.
A Step Toward Transforming Kampala
KCCA’s review and oversight signal progress in Kampala’s modernization agenda. The project reflects a broader partnership between public institutions and private enterprise, demonstrating how collaboration can address long-standing urban challenges.
For traders, residents, and city leaders, the redevelopment is a long-awaited solution. If fully approved and executed, the Nakivubo Channel transformation could become a landmark project — turning a decades-old scar into a safer, cleaner, and more modern centerpiece of Uganda’s capital.
