KCCA UPDATES PARLIAMENT ON PROGRESS, CHALLENGES IN MANAGING FLOODS

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on Wednesday told Parliament that improvements to major drainage channels have significantly reduced flooding in several parts of the capital, although recurring flash floods continue to affect vulnerable areas where drainage corridors have been encroached upon, blocked or outgrown by rapid urban development.

The update was presented by KCCA Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi to the Parliamentary Committee on Physical Infrastructure, chaired by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, during a session on the state of drainage and flood management in Kampala.

Kigenyi told the committee that Kampala's drainage network spans 362.3 kilometres, serving eight major drainage catchments, including Nakivubo, Lubigi, Walufumbe, Nalukolongo, Kansanga, Kinawataka, Nakamiro and Mayanja. He said the network remains critical to protecting lives, property and economic activity in a rapidly growing city increasingly experiencing intense rainfall and flash floods.

Among the key achievements highlighted was the rehabilitation of 9.2 kilometres of the Nakivubo drainage channel, construction of the Nakamiro channel and completion of 4.9 kilometres of the Lubigi drainage channel. KCCA has also completed compensation for project-affected persons along the remaining 980-metre section of Lubigi, paving the way for further works.

The interventions, together with construction of community drainages, construction of box culverts at flood hotspots such as the Auto Spa area, have improved stormwater flow and increased the capacity of the drainage system.

KCCA has also constructed 15 culvert crossings along Ssebana Road and Allen Road, have improved stormwater flow and reduced flooding in the Nakivubo and downtown areas, which previously experienced frequent waterlogging during heavy rainfall.

Kigenyi cited Bwaise as one of the areas where drainage engineering works have delivered significant results. He said improvements on the Lubigi and Nakamiro channels have greatly reduced flooding that previously disrupted transport, businesses and residents’ livelihoods.

He added that routine maintenance, including desilting and clearing of drainage channels, remains a key part of KCCA’s flood management efforts.

However, Kigenyi warned that Kampala continues to face growing flood risks due to rapid urbanisation, increased stormwater runoff, wetland encroachment, illegal developments within drainage corridors and poor waste disposal practices.

He said several primary and secondary drainage channels are operating beyond their original capacity and require rehabilitation, expansion and continuous maintenance to respond to the city’s growth.

The committee also received an update on the Jugula drainage channel in the Nakivubo catchment, one of the city’s flood-prone areas.

Kigenyi said the secondary channel, which runs between St. Balikuddembe Market and Nakivubo Stadium, has been more than 90 percent encroached upon by permanent developments, restricting water flow. The area experienced major flooding incidents in November 2024, March 2025 and February 2026, highlighting the need for restoration of drainage corridors and stronger enforcement.

He noted that engineering solutions must be complemented by responsible waste management, as garbage dumped into drainage channels continues to block water flow and reduce drainage efficiency during heavy rains.

Kigenyi told legislators that while KCCA continues to implement drainage improvements and routine maintenance, addressing Kampala’s flooding challenge requires sustained investment.

He said the Authority estimates that UGX 768 billion is required over the next five years to rehabilitate aging drainage infrastructure, expand primary and secondary channels, construct additional flood mitigation structures and maintain the city’s drainage network.

He said the investment will strengthen Kampala’s resilience to climate-related risks while protecting communities, businesses and infrastructure from the impacts of flooding.

KCCA reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Kampala Drainage Master Plan through continued rehabilitation, maintenance and enforcement against illegal developments in wetlands and drainage reserves.

The Authority also called on residents, businesses and developers to support flood prevention efforts by keeping drainage channels free of waste and avoiding activities that obstruct natural watercourses.

The parliamentary engagement forms part of ongoing oversight of infrastructure development and climate resilience initiatives aimed at making Kampala a safer, cleaner and more resilient city.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer