The opposition Democratic Party (DP) has strongly condemned the alleged corruption within the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for issuing licenses to individuals constructing buildings in water pathways, a decision that has significantly contributed to the devastating flooding in Kampala.
The DP’s condemnation comes as the frequency and severity of floods in the city have worsened, with life and property being lost whenever the rainy season begins.
These floods, often triggered by blocked water drainage pathways and poorly planned constructions, have caused widespread destruction in both urban and suburban areas of Kampala.
According to Ismail Kiirya, the acting spokesperson for the DP, NEMA’s actions have been deemed “irresponsible” and a significant threat to the environment and the safety of Ugandans.
He pointed out that by approving construction in designated water pathways, NEMA is compounding the city’s drainage problems and putting lives at risk.
Kiirya has called on the government to launch a thorough investigation into NEMA’s involvement in issuing these construction licenses and to hold those responsible accountable.
The DP has also urged for immediate interventions to stop further construction in vulnerable areas and improve urban planning to prevent further environmental damage.
Meanwhile, Moses Matovu, the spokesperson for the National Economic Empowerment Dialogue (NEED), has raised further concerns about the quality of new buildings in Kampala.
Matovu has called on the Building Planning Unit and enforcement team at the Kampala Capital Authority (KCCA) to review all new building plans in the city.
He highlighted that many buildings, especially those constructed in flood-prone areas, are poorly built and lack adequate drainage systems, exacerbating the city’s vulnerability to flooding.
Matovu emphasized that a comprehensive review is needed to ensure that future constructions adhere to proper standards and are not built in areas that could worsen the city’s flood risk.
The growing concerns over construction practices, alongside the accusations of NEMA’s role in facilitating these problematic developments, have led to increasing calls for better urban planning, stricter enforcement of building regulations, and more sustainable management of Kampala’s environmental resources.
By Charles Katabalwa
29th Mar, 2025
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