In a fiery KCCA council showdown, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago found himself outnumbered and outmaneuvered as his accusations against billionaire developer Dr. Hajji Hamis Kiggundu and former acting Executive Director Frank Nyakana Rusa were categorically dismissed. The heated exchange, held on April 3, 2025, ended with the council condemning Lukwago’s “false and malicious claims” and instead honoring Rusa for his noble leadership during Kampala’s worst flooding season.
Lukwago’s Claims Fall Apart Amid Strong Evidence
The mayor attempted to blame the recent March 2025 floods on Kiggundu’s reconstruction of the Jugula channel near Nakivubo, alleging illegal works and collusion with Rusa. However, KCCA members countered with concrete evidence showing that Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd had followed due legal procedures, receiving official project approval on December 9, 2024.
Moreover, the KCCA magistrate court had already dismissed the case on January 14, 2025, citing legal irregularities and a misunderstanding of corporate liability. Lukwago’s narrative collapsed under scrutiny, and council members rebuked his actions as “unprofessional and misleading.”
Frank Rusa Recognized for Exemplary Service
As Lukwago’s arguments unraveled, Frank Nyakana Rusa—who briefly led KCCA from September to December 2024—was publicly celebrated. Council members presented him with a city award of appreciation, lauding his calm leadership during a challenging transitional period and his role in overseeing Kiggundu’s successful Nakivubo drainage project.
The upgraded channel is credited with protecting the area from floods during the March storms, while other parts of the city like Kawempe, Natete, and the Northern Bypass were heavily affected.
Kiggundu’s Project Proves Effective Against Flooding
Kiggundu’s initiative to rejuvenate the Jugula channel was linked to preparations for the AFCON 2024 stadium approval, but it has since been hailed as a model drainage solution. Despite heavy rains, Nakivubo remained flood-free, a fact that contradicted Lukwago’s accusations and reinforced confidence in private sector-driven urban development.
Local residents and city officials acknowledged the project’s positive impact, praising Kiggundu for achieving results where public efforts had long failed.
KCCA Council Backs Local Investors Over Politics
In a bold shift of policy, the council resolved to partner with capable local investors to modernize Kampala’s aging and congested drainage systems. With foreign aid declining and central government allocations insufficient, KCCA emphasized a “homegrown” solution to the flooding crisis.
Members slammed Lukwago’s “emotional leadership” and reiterated that KCCA’s role is to serve all Ugandans, not personal egos. Developers like Kiggundu were cited as key partners in a new era of infrastructure development and public-private collaboration.
The Way Forward: Development Over Division
While the dramatic council session exposed tensions within Kampala’s leadership, it also offered a glimpse into the city’s future. With Lukwago’s influence seemingly waning, and figures like Rusa and Kiggundu gaining recognition, the path is set for a more pragmatic, investor-inclusive approach to solving Kampala’s flooding challenges.
The KCCA resolution marks a turning point in how urban development will be approached—by embracing local expertise, private capital, and strategic governance.
The big question now: Will Lukwago adapt to the new wave of progress, or will he remain on the fringes as Kampala moves forward?
