KCCA, Kampala | In a dramatic showdown at the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) council meeting, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago faced a stunning rebuke as his baseless allegations against city tycoon Dr. Hajji Hamis Kiggundu and former Acting Executive Director Frank Nyakana Rusa were dismissed as “nonsensical.” The council not only cleared the air but also celebrated Rusa’s exemplary leadership with a prestigious award, while resolving to partner with local investors to finally combat Kampala’s chronic flooding crisis. Here’s the full story of a day that shook the city’s leadership to its core!
A Clash of Titans at KCCA: Lukwago’s Allegations Fall Flat
The KCCA council meeting on Thursday, April 3, 2025, was nothing short of explosive. Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, known for his contentious relationship with city developers and KCCA leadership, took center stage with a fiery attempt to pin Kampala’s recent flooding woes on billionaire developer Dr. Hajji Hamis Kiggundu. Lukwago accused Kiggundu of illegally reconstructing the Jugula channel around Nakivubo, alleging that the works—approved by KCCA—caused the citywide floods in March 2025. He also targeted Frank Nyakana Rusa, the former Acting Executive Director, demanding his interdiction from his current role as Director of Legal Affairs for allegedly supporting Kiggundu’s projects.
But the council wasn’t having it. In a scathing response, members presented irrefutable evidence that Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd, Kiggundu’s company, had followed due process. On December 9, 2024, the company submitted its plans for the Nakivubo channel works to KCCA, which were reviewed and approved under the law. The charges Lukwago referenced—filed against Kiggundu personally rather than his company—were deemed malicious and legally irregular, violating the principle of limited liability. The case was dismissed by the KCCA magistrate court on January 14, 2025, leaving Lukwago’s claims in tatters.
Council members didn’t hold back, blasting Lukwago for his “unprofessional conduct” and accusing him of undermining the city’s progress with “false allegations.” The Lord Mayor, who has often clashed with KCCA leadership since taking office in 2011, was left visibly embarrassed as his accusations were unanimously dismissed.
Frank Nyakana Rusa: A Hero Honored Amid the Storm
While Lukwago faced the council’s wrath, Frank Nyakana Rusa emerged as the day’s hero. Rusa, who served as Acting Executive Director from September 26 to December 26, 2024, following Dorothy Kisaka’s dismissal over the Kiteezi landfill tragedy, was lauded for his professionalism during his tenure. Under his leadership, KCCA navigated complex challenges, including supervising Kiggundu’s Nakivubo channel works, which ultimately prevented flooding in the area despite heavy rains in March 2025.
In a heartfelt moment, the council presented Rusa with an Appreciation Award, recognizing his “noble service” to Kampala. The award, inscribed with the words, “We appreciate your noble service for the capital city (Kampala) as acting E.D.,” was a testament to Rusa’s dedication. A proud Rusa was photographed holding the award in his office, standing in front of the Ugandan and KCCA flags—a symbol of his commitment to the city’s development.
Nakivubo Shines Amid Kampala’s Floods: Dr. Hamis Kiggundu Vindicated
At the heart of the controversy was Dr. Hajji Hamis Kiggundu, a renowned billionaire and city developer whose efforts to unclog and rejuvenate Kampala’s waste channels around Nakivubo have been nothing short of transformative. In November 2024, Kiggundu took on the monumental task of revitalizing the Jugula channel as part of preparations for Nakivubo Stadium’s final approval to host AFCON 2024. Despite initial floods during the works—caused by heavy rains and decades of neglect—Kiggundu, with Rusa’s guidance, completed the project, ensuring no further flooding in the area.
The results spoke for themselves. While heavy rains in March 2025 submerged much of Kampala—including areas like Clock Tower, Kawempe, Natete, and the Northern Bypass—Nakivubo remained flood-free. Local residents and workers in the area hailed Kiggundu’s efforts, noting that they had never witnessed such effective drainage works in decades. Yet, Lukwago’s persistent attacks on Kiggundu painted a false narrative, claiming the citywide floods were a result of the developer’s actions—a claim the council swiftly debunked.
A New Path Forward: KCCA Embraces Local Investors to Fight Floods
Beyond the drama, the council meeting marked a turning point for Kampala’s future. For decades, the city has grappled with severe flooding, exacerbated by open drainages where solid waste is dumped, clogging stormwater channels. The council acknowledged that KCCA’s limited funding from the central government, coupled with reduced foreign aid, has hindered efforts to address the crisis.
In a groundbreaking resolution, the council decided to partner with “able local investors” to develop, cover, and upgrade the city’s drainage systems. This move, inspired by modern cities with closed underground drainage systems, aims to eliminate Kampala’s flooding woes once and for all. The decision also served as a vote of confidence in developers like Kiggundu, whose successful Nakivubo project set a precedent for what’s possible when KCCA collaborates with private investors under strict supervision.
Council members emphasized that KCCA’s mandate is to serve Ugandans holistically, not to be swayed by “personal opinions and emotional approaches” as displayed by Lukwago. They called on the government to support local investors, stating, “The solution to our challenges and problems should come from within.”
What’s Next for Kampala?
The April 3 council meeting exposed deep rifts in Kampala’s leadership but also paved the way for a brighter future. With Lukwago’s allegations dismissed and his conduct condemned, the Lord Mayor’s influence appears to be waning. Meanwhile, Frank Nyakana Rusa’s recognition and the council’s bold resolution to work with local investors signal a new era of pragmatic leadership at KCCA.
As Kampala looks to tackle its flooding crisis, the spotlight is now on how the city will implement its new strategy. Will this partnership with local investors finally bring relief to a city long plagued by floods? And can leaders like Lukwago set aside personal grudges to support Kampala’s development? Only time will tell, but for now, the city is buzzing with hope—and a renewed appreciation for those, like Rusa and Kiggundu, who are leading the charge.
