Kampala, Uganda – The long-neglected Nakivubo Drainage Channel, which cuts through the heart of the capital, is set for a major transformation as Uganda prepares to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
For decades, Nakivubo has been both a lifeline and a burden. Originally designed to control floods, the open trench has become a dumping ground for sewage and solid waste.
During rainy seasons, its overflow floods businesses and markets, causing untold losses to traders and motorists. Tragically, more than 100 lives have been lost over the years after people accidentally slipped into the channel.
The project to cover and modernize the channel has gained urgency after officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) praised Uganda’s new Hamz Stadium but expressed concern about the state of the open drainage system next door.
They advised that the channel must be secured and upgraded if Uganda is to meet international hosting standards.
Transforming a Hazard into an Asset
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), working with private partners and guided by national development priorities, says the redevelopment will involve building underground flood control systems, solid waste filtration, and water recycling points. The upper surface will feature green public spaces, walkways, and rest areas, turning what was once a scar into a model of urban renewal.
“This is more than just drainage. It is about dignity, safety, and modernizing our capital city for generations to come,” one official explained.
A Project of National Pride
The redevelopment is being framed not only as an infrastructure upgrade but also as a test of Uganda’s readiness to host a continental event. Beyond Kampala, it is a symbol of what can be achieved when government, local investors, and development partners work together with a shared vision.
Leaders have called for unity and patience, reminding citizens that no modern city in the world thrives with open sewers cutting through its center. They point out that Uganda now has the opportunity to match other nations that have long invested in safe, clean, and sustainable urban systems.
Looking Ahead
If delivered on time, the Nakivubo Channel redevelopment will make Kampala safer and more attractive for both residents and visitors during AFCON 2027.
For ordinary Ugandans, it will mean fewer floods, safer streets, and renewed business confidence in the heart of the capital. For the country at large, it is a chance to showcase a Uganda that is ready not just for football, but for transformation and progress.
