Kampala city tycoon Hamis Kiggundu has stirred controversy and concern in the heart of the capital. Over the weekend, Nakivubo Channel, long plagued by flooding and mismanagement, was cordoned off under heavy police and army protection, as Kiggundu launched a private redevelopment project aimed at transforming the area into a modern business hub. This comes despite KCCA receiving 64 billion shillings for flood control, raising questions about accountability and public infrastructure management.

While some leaders have welcomed the initiative, others, including MP Ronald Balimwezo, are calling it an illegal takeover and vow to take legal action. The development has sparked protests from vendors and ignited a debate over transparency, health risks, and the future of Kampala’s drainage systems.

With an aim of moving away from traditional methods of constructing open drainages and adopting modern methods, Hamis Kiggundu, a Kampala city tycoon, has beaten the KCCA to it. Despite KCCA being allocated an amount of Ugshs 64 billion for flood control by the Ministry of Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, the channel has been facing widespread flooding in low-lying areas and theft, among others.

Over the weekend, Nakivubo Channel was cordoned off by people under the protection of the army and police with iron sheets. According to Ham Kiggundu, the project is his and aims to transform the area into a thriving business center and be crime-free. Despite the development promises, protests were sparked off from vendors.

To some, the closure of the channel is bound to create more harm than good, citing the existence of health hazards. The authenticity of the project was also questioned. However, according to Hon. Mawanda, provided a valid process was carried out for the project, he was supportive of the project.

Despite support from some individuals, Hon. Ronald Balimwezo expressed concern over what he called a forceful and illegal encroachment on public infrastructure. According to the legislator, no official document has been given to show the channel's giveaway.

Balimwezo said he would seek a court injunction to halt the ongoing works on the Nakivubo Channel. He described the takeover as unlawful and added that he would request the minutes of the council meetings and take appropriate action. Whether the development will meet the promises, Ugandans wait to see a more organized, smart Kampala city.