Kampala, Uganda – City businessman Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, has embarked on a major cleanup exercise along the downstream section of the Nakivubo drainage channel as part of the long-awaited redevelopment of the facility.
The operation, which kicked off yesterday, saw heavy machinery, trucks, and a large workforce deployed to dredge the channel, remove accumulated waste, and clear debris that has for years clogged the city’s main drainage artery.
The Nakivubo Channel, notorious for flooding, pollution and poor sanitation, is now being prepared for an ambitious upgrade project aimed at transforming its functionality and appearance.
Mr Kiggundu, who is also spearheading the redevelopment of the Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, said the cleanup marks a critical first step in laying the groundwork for construction works expected to commence in the coming weeks.
“This is not just about cleaning; it’s about preparing the foundation for lasting development,” he said while supervising the works. “We are committed to working with relevant authorities to ensure that this project benefits the people and the city.”
According to plans unveiled, the redevelopment will include covering sections of the channel, installation of modern water filtration chambers, construction of service lanes, and integration of commercial spaces above the drainage system. The initiative, Mr Kiggundu said, is designed to improve flood control, sanitation, and urban renewal in downtown Kampala.
Images from the site show dredging equipment in operation, heaps of garbage collected from the channel, and crews working along key sections of the drainage.
The works are expected to ease persistent flooding in the central business district and restore both functionality and aesthetics to the channel and its surroundings.
The project comes at a time when city authorities have been under pressure to address Kampala’s perennial drainage challenges, which have been blamed for property damage, traffic disruption, and health hazards during heavy rains.