The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has directed businessman Hamis Kiggundu to suspend works on the Nakivubo Channel upgrade until he secures the necessary statutory approvals.
In a statement shared on X, KCCA confirmed a meeting with Kiggundu, who is undertaking the project through Kiham Enterprises Ltd. The Authority instructed him to stop all ongoing activities lacking official clearance.
Under KCCA’s oversight, the developer has also been tasked to clear debris caused by the works, ensure smooth stormwater flow, and properly maintain the hoarded sections to prevent risks of flooding and public danger.
The project, however, had earlier received backing from President Yoweri Museveni. In a letter to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja copied to several key government officials, the President praised Kiggundu’s plan as “a really godly proposal.”
Museveni noted that the channel remains exposed, attracting garbage and sewage, which worsens flooding in Kampala. He approved Kiggundu’s idea of cleaning and covering the channel at his own cost while being allowed to construct commercial properties above it to recoup his investment.
Kiggundu has since defended the deal as a transformative urban renewal project and a symbol of national pride.
