Ugandans have taken to social media to express their concern after city tycoon Hamis Kiggundu sealed off the Nakivubo drainage system for renovations by Ham Enterprises, a company owned by the tycoon.
Notable amongst the many Ugandans is Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago who has accused the tycoon of encroaching on a public drainage channel, allegedly contributing to flooding and displacing vendors in the area.
“Public property (Nakivubo Drainage channel) fraudulently appropriated by unscrupulous individuals (Ham Enterprises) and you hear some charlatans hyping it as development!!!. Ooh Uganda May God Uphold Thee…..” he posted earlier on X.
Lukwago while addressing journalists later in at City hall on Monday condemned businessman Hamis Kiggundu’s ongoing renovation works on the Nakivubo drainage channel that stretches from Kisekka Market to Owino Market, saying they lack approval from KCCA and clearance from NEMA.
“Hamis Kiggundu does not have a permit from NEMA to carry out any activity on this channel,” Lukwago stated, describing the businessman’s actions as illegal and fraudulent.
Lukwago further urged authorities to halt the project until due procedures are followed.
However according to Ham, the project which is part of the Nakivubo Channel redevelopment into a smart drainage system under the Nakivubo Channel Development Project has received approval from President Museveni himself.
Earlier on police were seen patrolling the cordoned-off Nakivubo drainage system to prevent any possible protests by displaced roadside vendors from Owino Market.
