KAMPALA-UGANDA | For decades, Kampala’s Nakivubo Channel has been a scar running through the city — an open trench of waste, floods, and danger that has claimed lives and crippled business in the heart of Uganda’s capital. Today, that reality is on the verge of change. Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has confirmed that the redevelopment plan for the Nakivubo Drainage Channel, submitted by Kiham Enterprise U Limited, is under final review. This follows a high-level meeting held earlier today between KCCA officials and Tycoon Dr. Hamis Kiggundu, the proprietor of the company undertaking the modernization and beautification of the channel.
Temporary Halt, But Work Continues
While the Authority has temporarily halted full-scale construction pending approval of the submitted designs, it has given a green light for ongoing maintenance activities. These include cleaning, unblocking, and the removal of silt and debris to guarantee continuous water flow. Hoarding around the site will remain in place as a protective measure, shielding the public from accidents and ensuring safety as technical details are finalized.
Technical Oversight Strengthened
KCCA has assigned a technical team to guide the project through this transitional stage. The team will ensure that engineering standards, environmental safeguards, and urban planning regulations are fully adhered to before and during the redevelopment works. This oversight is expected to streamline the process and pave the way for smooth execution once final approvals are secured.
A Long-Standing Problem Nearing a Solution
For decades, Nakivubo Channel has been one of Kampala’s most persistent urban challenges. The open drainage system has often been clogged with solid waste, leading to severe flooding during heavy rains and causing disruption in the city’s busiest business hub. The channel has also posed serious safety concerns, with lives lost in accidental falls, and security risks from individuals using the trench as a hideout.
The planned redevelopment seeks to close this chapter by converting the open channel into a modern underground drainage system. Beyond water management, the design envisions public walkways, green spaces, and organized urban utilities that will bring both safety and dignity to the area.
National Importance Ahead of AFCON 2027
The redevelopment also carries continental significance. During recent inspections, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) identified the open channel as incompatible with Uganda’s ambitions to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027. CAF recommended that the drainage be covered as a prerequisite for hosting the tournament. With Ham’s Nakivubo Stadium already meeting international standards, closing the channel remains the missing piece for Uganda’s readiness.
A Step Toward Transforming Kampala
KCCA’s confirmation of the plan under review signals progress. Though temporarily slowed by procedural checks, the project reflects a broader push to modernize Kampala and reduce long-standing urban risks. For many residents and traders, the redevelopment is a long-overdue solution that balances public safety with the city’s growth.
As approvals near completion, the Nakivubo Channel project stands as a symbol of what happens when private initiative meets public responsibility — a partnership with the potential to transform Kampala’s city center into a safer, cleaner, and more modern environment.