The Nakivubo Channel, a critical drainage system in Kampala, Uganda, is undergoing significant redevelopment works. Led by businessman Hamis Kiggundu, commonly known as Ham, the project has recently gained attention as progress photos highlight the ongoing work. These developments are crucial for addressing Kampala’s recurrent flooding issues and improving the city’s drainage infrastructure.
Expanding the Channel’s Capacity
The Nakivubo Channel, which previously had a width of just six meters, is being expanded to a width of 12 meters. This widening aims to accommodate more water, thereby reducing flooding risks, especially in the city’s central areas. Engineers working on the project estimate that the channel will effectively manage stormwater for the next 50 to 70 years, ensuring long-term solutions to Kampala’s drainage problems.
Addressing Flooding and Safety Concerns
One of the key issues with the Nakivubo Channel before the redevelopment was its open design. The open channel not only posed a safety hazard for the public but also became a dumping ground for waste, leading to frequent blockages. In response, Hamis Kiggundu and his team are covering the channel to create a safer and more efficient drainage system. This change addresses concerns from both the public and officials about the risks posed by the open structure.
Government Support for the Redevelopment
President Museveni has expressed his support for the redevelopment project, recognizing its potential benefits for the city. Earlier this year, he publicly endorsed Ham’s proposal to cover the channel, allowing him to construct properties above it. The properties, according to the plan, will provide a return on investment through rent, which will help Ham recoup his costs while contributing to urban development.
Museveni referred to the proposal as “imaginative and simple,” stating that it would not only improve the drainage system but also transform the area into a valuable urban space. The government’s approval highlights the project’s alignment with broader urban development goals for Kampala.
Technical Guidance and Collaboration with KCCA
As part of the redevelopment effort, Kiggundu has welcomed technical guidance from engineers to ensure that the project meets the necessary standards for future-proofing the drainage system. In particular, additional culverts have been installed to direct large volumes of water into the channel, helping to alleviate flooding during heavy rains.
“We shall listen to their technical guidance. We are ready to work with KCCA to ensure water which always collects on the surface whenever it rains enters the channel,” Kiggundu said, emphasizing the collaborative effort to address Kampala’s drainage challenges.
International Standards for Nakivubo Stadium
A key consideration in the Nakivubo Channel redevelopment is its proximity to Nakivubo Stadium, a major sports venue in Kampala. Officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) inspected the stadium and raised concerns about the open drainage system near the stadium, which was a potential health and safety risk due to the flowing water and exposed sewerage.
CAF officials noted that while the stadium itself met international standards, the surrounding infrastructure, particularly the open channel, needed to be addressed to maintain its suitability for international events. This feedback further underscored the importance of the channel’s redevelopment in supporting Kampala’s ambitions for hosting international sports events.
The Role of KCCA in Supporting the Project
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has played a key role in overseeing the redevelopment works. While there have been concerns raised about the project’s impact on the city’s overall flood management strategy, KCCA’s collaboration with Kiggundu’s team ensures that the redevelopment aligns with long-term urban planning goals.
KCCA’s involvement is particularly crucial in ensuring that the project meets regulatory standards and integrates with other city infrastructure improvements aimed at addressing flooding in Kampala’s urban areas.
The Future of Nakivubo Channel
The redevelopment of the Nakivubo Channel is an ambitious and visionary project that aims to solve one of Kampala’s most persistent problems—flooding. By widening the channel, covering it for safety, and developing properties above it, the project is poised to have lasting economic, environmental, and social impacts.
The redevelopment is not only about improving drainage but also about urban regeneration. The properties constructed above the channel are expected to attract investment, provide much-needed housing, and help revitalize the surrounding area. In the long term, the Nakivubo Channel redevelopment could be a model for other cities in East Africa struggling with similar drainage and urban development challenges.
