By Musisi Lwanga
Originally constructed in the 1950s to mitigate flooding in Uganda’s capital, the Nakivubo Channel was once a cornerstone of Kampala’s drainage infrastructure. Over the decades, however, it has become a major source of pollution, flooding, and health hazards posing a serious threat to the city’s public health and environmental sustainability.
Today, as Kampala gears up to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has endorsed the redevelopment of the Nakivubo Channel into a modern, eco-friendly urban corridor. This ambitious project, supported by private developer Hamis Kiggundu and aligned with Uganda’s broader infrastructure vision, is not just about drainage, it’s about redefining Kampala’s urban landscape for the future.
The upgraded channel will feature underground flood-control chambers, solid waste filtration systems, pedestrian walkways, and green spaces. Rather than being a scar on the city, Nakivubo is set to become a model of smart urban planning, boosting business confidence and enhancing Kampala’s tourism appeal.
Despite these forward-looking developments, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago continues to criticize the project, often without offering viable alternatives. His resistance appears more rooted in political posture than in a commitment to solving Kampala’s real and pressing urban challenges.
Protecting the Heart of Kampala’s Economy
The central business district, historically plagued by floods, sewage overflow, and poor drainage stands to benefit the most from the channel’s transformation. The new system includes massive underground reservoirs and modern drainage designs that can quickly and efficiently redirect stormwater, reducing flood risks during heavy rains.
Countries such as Denmark and Sweden have invested heavily in similar wastewater and drainage infrastructure, with impressive results. Uganda has an opportunity to follow suit. The Nakivubo redevelopment mirrors these international benchmarks by integrating sustainable design, resilience to climate change, and support for economic growth.
This is not merely a KCCA project. It is a collaborative effort involving public-private partnerships, guided by technical expertise, and aligned with Kampala’s drainage master plan. The inclusion of Nakivubo Stadium as a proposed AFCON 2027 venue further underscores the project’s national importance.
Leadership Should Empower Progress, Not Stall It
Kampala deserves leadership that supports innovation, embraces sustainable development, and champions public interest. Nakivubo Channel, once a vital flood-control artery, has degenerated into a hazardous drain. Rebuilding it into a green, resilient urban corridor is a step toward a modern, livable capital.
Lukwago and other leaders must look beyond outdated political arguments and recognize that development especially of core infrastructure is not a threat, but a necessity.
Let’s stop fighting progress. The future of Kampala depends on bold, smart investments like the Nakivubo Channel redevelopment. The time to build is now.
