The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has linked Monday’s flooding in downtown Kampala which damaged property and disrupted the livelihoods of hundreds of traders to construction activities currently underway on the Nakivubo drainage channel.

A heavy downpour in the afternoon left several downtown business hubs, such as Nabukera, Qualicell, Sekaziga arcades in Container Village, Ham Arcades, and sections of the New Taxi Park, inundated. In addition to the commercial losses, the floods reached residential areas in informal settlements like Mengo, Kisenyi, and the vicinity of Owino Market.

One affected trader, Ahamad Musoke of Nabukeera Arcade, reported losing imported clothing worth UGX 2 million when water flooded the basement of his store. Over 50 fellow traders also incurred substantial losses. “The rain was relentless, and the flooding was catastrophic. We've experienced flooding before, but this was different, the water rose so quickly that we couldn't salvage much. It was like everything was underwater in an instant, and most of the clothes were swept away,” Musoke said.

Suzanne Tukamushaba, who sells women's clothing at Qualicell Arcade, shared that one of her employees sustained injuries while attempting to move items out of harm’s way. “My employee was injured by sharp objects, and most of our clothes are ruined beyond recovery, they'll likely end up in the trash. I'm calling on the government to help us like they’ve assisted people in Bududa and other flood-affected areas. We need their support now,” Tukamushaba said.

Edward Ntale, who chairs the United Arcaders Entrepreneurs Association (UATEA), called the flooding a major blow to the business community, estimating that more than 400 traders, shop owners, and vendors were impacted. “The truth is, most of our people will struggle to recover business wise,” Ntale noted, highlighting that this disaster comes as traders are already burdened with increased rent, high utility bills, and multiple taxes.

While Ntale acknowledged the disruption caused by the Nakivubo Channel upgrades, he also criticized KCCA for poor drainage maintenance. Responding to the concerns, KCCA spokesperson Daniel Nuwabine attributed the flooding mainly to ongoing construction on the channel.

“We’ll get to the bottom of what led to this severe flooding and find a lasting solution,” Nuwabine assured, adding that investigations will pinpoint any blockages that may have intensified the situation. He also pointed to the negligence of some property owners in installing proper drainage systems as a contributing factor.

“We kindly request the public’s patience as we navigate this situation. While development can bring temporary challenges, we assure you the outcome will be worth it. In the meantime, we urge everyone to remain cautious, especially during this rainy season, to ensure safety,” he added.

In August, businessman Hamis Kiggundu secured government clearance to revamp the Nakivubo Channel, with Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni referring to the plan as “imaginative and simple.”

The project aims to enclose and modernize the channel to resolve long-standing issues related to waste and flooding. However, the initiative has encountered pushback from street vendors and some city officials, including Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who has condemned the construction as unauthorized. Kiggundu, however, maintains that the redevelopment is a strategic effort to enhance Kampala’s drainage capacity while integrating commercial developments.

Source: URN