Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, has strongly criticized the government for its failure to fund the Kampala Drainage Master Plan since 2016, which he says has significantly contributed to the ongoing flooding crisis in the city.
He pointed out that the lack of proper drainage infrastructure has led to recurrent floods, which have claimed lives and destroyed property.
Lukwago highlighted several key factors exacerbating the flooding situation.
One of the primary issues, he explained, is the government’s failure to allocate the USD220 million required to implement the Drainage Master Plan, which was designed to identify and address flood hotspots in the city.
Additionally, the lack of compensation for residents living along drainage channels has hindered efforts to resolve the problem, particularly the World Bank-funded initiatives aimed at improving the city’s drainage system.
Lukwago also noted that encroachment on drainage channels by city tycoons has further escalated the flooding issue, obstructing the natural flow of water and contributing to the worsening situation.
Lukwago also criticized the insufficient funding allocated to the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) for drainage maintenance and expansion.
He revealed that the Ministry for Kampala had misallocated funds, including diverting USD18 million from a USD42 million grant originally intended for drainage improvements.
According to Lukwago, these mismanagement issues have left the city’s drainage infrastructure inadequate and unable to handle the volume of water during heavy rains.
The Lord Mayor’s comments came in the wake of a devastating downpour that occurred yesterday, which resulted in seven deaths and the destruction of property after clogged drainage systems caused severe flooding in Kampala and surrounding areas.
Lukwago has called on Parliament to increase the budget for the drainage system from the previously estimated 3.2 billion shillings, urging a more robust allocation to tackle the issue.
He also demanded that the Minister for Kampala be held accountable and that the USD18 million allocated to her office under unclear circumstances be refunded.
Lukwago has also taken aim at city tycoon Hamis Kiggundu, accusing him of contributing to flooding along Queen’s Way, near the former ShopRite building, due to his construction works that have disrupted water flow along the Nakivubo Channel.
He claims that Kiggundu colluded with former KCCA Executive Director Frank Nyakana Rusa, who allegedly approved the construction projects that are now causing flooding in the area.
Lukwago has called for an investigation into Kiggundu’s actions and has demanded that he be held accountable for his role in worsening the flood situation.
With Kampala continuing to grapple with frequent flooding, Lukwago has urged the government to take immediate action to address the drainage crisis.
He stressed that without proper intervention, more lives and property will remain at risk.
By Olivia Nabaggala
27th Mar, 2025
END.
