Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Councilor Hon. James Mubiru has come out strongly to dismiss what he called “false and misleading information” being spread about the controversial redevelopment of the Nakivubo Drainage Channel by businessman Dr. Hamis Kiggundu.
Mubiru, who represents Lubaga North, said it is untrue that KCCA authorized Ham’s company, Kiham Enterprises (U) Ltd, to carry out any construction works on the Nakivubo Channel. He revealed that the KCCA Council actually resolved to halt all ongoing works by Ham and to open criminal charges for trespass and illegal construction.
“We will not stand idly by while false information is spread about the Nakivubo drainage channel,” Mubiru said. “The Authority Council clearly halted all illegal constructions by Ham and resolved to open criminal charges against him for criminal trespass and unauthorized construction.”
The controversy stems from a Presidential Directive dated 2nd August 2025, which instructed KCCA to support Dr. Hamis Kiggundu in redeveloping, upgrading, and beautifying the Nakivubo Channel. This directive was later reinforced by a letter from Hon. Minsa Kabanda, the Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs, dated 13th August 2025, instructing KCCA’s Executive Director to give Kiggundu all necessary support and approvals.
However, KCCA officials later reported that Ham had begun work without official clearance. A site inspection in August confirmed unauthorized hoarding and activity along the channel. The Authority’s Physical Planning Committee only gave conditional approval in September pending fulfillment of set requirements, including environmental and hydrological assessments.
Despite this, construction reportedly continued — prompting the KCCA Council to pass a resolution on 25th August 2025 and reaffirmed on 3rd November 2025, directing that:
All ongoing works by Ham Enterprises or Kiham Enterprises be halted immediately.
Criminal charges be opened against Ham for illegal construction and trespass on KCCA land.
The Directorate of Gender and Community Services assess and register all affected traders for compensation.
Mubiru also accused Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago of twisting the facts to score political points.
“Unfortunately, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago is misinforming the public, claiming that the Authority Council gave permission. Having attended both council sittings, I can confirm that this is not true,” he said. “It’s concerning that the Lord Mayor is distorting the facts for political gain. We urge for transparency and truth in this matter, rather than resorting to bling-bling politics and blackmail.”
He further expressed disappointment in Minister Minsa Kabanda, accusing her of issuing conflicting statements regarding her own letter authorizing KCCA to support the project.
“It’s shocking that Minister Kabanda, who signed a letter directing KCCA to support Ham, is now contradicting herself in public,” Mubiru noted.
The Nakivubo Drainage Channel is one of Kampala’s most critical flood-control systems, stretching from Kyaggwe Road through the Central Business District down to Entebbe Road. It has long been prone to encroachment and unregulated developments, often blamed for the frequent flooding in downtown Kampala.
Mubiru concluded by calling for honesty and accountability from all parties, saying the people of Kampala deserve clarity — not confusion — on projects that directly affect their livelihoods.
