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Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has accused businessman Hamis Kiggundu, commonly known as Ham, of being directly responsible for the floods in downtown Kampala.
The floods following yesterday’s downpour claimed seven lives and caused widespread damage.
Speaking at a press conference today, Lukwago placed the blame squarely on Kiggundu, particularly for his involvement in constructing on top of the Nakivubo water channel, a move that he argues has worsened flooding in the city.
"All along, I was looking forward to having a big person brought here at the City Hall court for environmental degradation because they have only been bringing hawkers and bodaboda riders,” he said.
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“I wanted to see a tycoon. I was very happy one time to see businesswoman Nabukeera of Nabukeera Arcade in the dock and being sent to jail. This time round I was so excited because I thought we finally got another big fish in the names of Hamis Kiggundu."
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However, Lukwago was dismayed when the Acting KCCA Executive Director, Frank Rusa, allegedly colluded with Kiggundu, leading to a meeting at City Hall where a deal was struck rather than taking Kiggundu to court.
“That was a person that even had a charge sheet on him," Lukwago said.
The Flooding and Its Link to Kiggundu's ActionsThe Lord Mayor explained that the flooding in areas such as Clock Tower, had previously seen improvements after a drainage project funded by Japan's JICA.
However, he said, the flooding has returned following Kiggundu's actions.
"The problem that he caused, those are the floods you are seeing. The floods at Clock Tower, all that flooding you see at Clock Tower, that is Hamis’s floods," Lukwago declared.
“All the people sharing the videos of those floods, you should post them along with a picture of Hamis”
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Kiggundu Responds to the Allegations
Kiggundu, who was accused of blocking the Nakivubo channel, defended his actions in a statement from his company, Ham Enterprises.
He explained that the construction was part of the redevelopment of Nakivubo Stadium and was approved by Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
He rejected claims that his developments were responsible for the flooding, asserting that the structures were built above the water channel, leaving space for water to flow freely.