Lukwago left politically bruised as KCCA back Ham, Rusa over Nakivubo works

Kampala, Uganda:- Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago on Thursday left the Capital City Authority chambers red-faced after the council resolved to endorse and back able local private investors to take on the redevelopment of the city’s dilapidated drainage systems.

The council’s resolution came amid a contentious attempt by Lukwago to implicate city businessman Dr. Hajji Hamis Kiggundu, commonly known as Ham, and former Acting Executive Director Frank Nyakana Rusa in what he described as illegal drainage works at the Jugula channel near Nakivubo.

Lukwago alleged that the reconstruction works by Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd were to blame for the devastating floods that recently paralyzed parts of the capital, but his claims were swiftly dismissed by councilors as baseless, malicious, and politically charged.

In a turn of things, the council rather than endorsing the Lord Mayor’s position, rallied behind the accused, applauding Rusa’s leadership and Ham’s contribution to infrastructural improvement in the city, which they labelled as a pragmatic response to Kampala’s urgent drainage needs, especially in the face of dwindling government funding and unreliable foreign aid.

The councilors castigated Lukwago for weaponizing his office to settle political scores amid consistent antagonism toward developers and local investors. They argued that Kampala’s floods are a result of years of underinvestment, poor solid waste disposal, and reliance on open, outdated drainage systems—not the efforts of those trying to modernize city infrastructure.

“Let us not politicize development. The people of Kampala are tired of blame games. What they need is leadership and real solutions,” remarked one councilor, in a tone that echoed across the chamber.

Empirical records presented before the council confirmed that Ham Enterprises had duly submitted drainage plans to KCCA, which were reviewed and approved on December 9, 2024.

The council also referenced a January 14, 2025, court ruling in which charges brought against Ham were dismissed on technical grounds. It was revealed that the case had been wrongly filed against Ham in his individual capacity rather than against his company, in violation of the corporate legal principle of limited liability.

The council also accused Lukwago of pushing a personal vendetta against Ham, arguing that his allegations were not only legally flawed but also a distraction from the real issues affecting city dwellers. They highlighted that the actual causes of flooding in Kampala stem from decades of poor urban planning, solid waste mismanagement, and outdated open drainage systems — not from the redevelopment efforts of developers like Ham.

Ironically, while several areas in Kampala, including Clock Tower, Kamwokya, Zana, Forest Mall, Natete, and the Northern Bypass were submerged in the March floods, the areas surrounding Nakivubo remained dry. Councilors took this as clear evidence of the effectiveness of the Jugula drainage upgrade executed under Ham Enterprises during Rusa’s acting tenure.

The council also emphasized that local partnerships are no longer optional but necessary. With limited financial capacity to revamp the city’s aging infrastructure, members resolved that the Authority must work hand-in-hand with credible investors ready to bankroll large-scale drainage works.

Drawing lessons from cities that have adopted underground stormwater systems, councilors pushed for Kampala to abandon its primitive open-channel model, which has repeatedly proven susceptible to blockages caused by indiscriminate waste disposal.

Thursday’s heated council session concluded with a special award to Rusa, whom the councillors recognized for his distinguished service during his short term as the Acting ED of Kampala. “We appreciate your noble service for the Capital City (Kampala) as Acting E.D,” read the words inscribed on the Certificate of Appreciation.