The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has ordered the immediate cessation of all construction works by Ham Enterprises on the Jugula drainage channel, Nakivubo.
During a high-level meeting convened in the Mayor’s Parlor, Acting Executive Director Frank Rusa engaged stakeholders, including Hamis Kiggundu of Ham Enterprises, the Central Division Mayor Salim Uhuru, Catholic Church leaders, traders from St. Balikuddembe Market (Owino), and other KCCA officials.
The discussions centered on the impact of unauthorized construction works on the Jugula drainage channel, which feeds into the critical Nakivubo drainage system.
During the meeting, KCCA directed Ham Enterprises to cease all ongoing construction activities until a thorough technical assessment is conducted.
KCCA’s technical team will visit the site on November 20 to assess the drainage system and determine compliance with legal and environmental standards.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all parties to find sustainable solutions that balance urban development with the city’s drainage needs.
Rusa underscored the importance of adhering to regulations and protecting public interests. “Our priority is to ensure that all developments in the city conform to the law. We must prioritize the well-being of our people and the functionality of our drainage systems,” he stated.
A recent report by KCCA confirmed that the unauthorized developments obstructed the Jugula drainage channel, disrupting the natural flow of storm water and resulting in the overflow that has plagued the area.
Hamis Kiggundu, said he was humbled by the discussions, and expressed willingness to comply with KCCA’s directives.
“I am not above the law, which is why I came to this meeting. I am ready to listen to the technical guidance on how I can develop the place sustainably,” he said.
Kiggundu further acknowledged the impact of his construction works and pledged to cooperate fully with KCCA to mitigate the issues.
“The flooding has affected many people, and I want to ensure that we find a solution that benefits everyone.” Kiggundu said.
He committed to resolving issues that had restricted access to a nearby Catholic Church, following a discussions with the Archbishop of Kampala.
“I’m a God fearing man, I know the importance of the church and I can’t block it. We are working with the church to ensure full access for the faithful including cars,”
KCCA reiterated its resolve to tackle illegal construction and uphold urban planning standards as part of its broader mission to create a sustainable and resilient Kampala.
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Recently, KCCA Blocks Ham Enterprises’ Illegal Construction on Jugula Drainage Channel
The flooding at Owino Market, a vital economic hub supporting thousands of traders, has triggered public outrage
Isaac Opio November 18, 2024 1 minute read
Ham Enterprises continue to erect structures near Nakivubo channel despite an order from KCCA to stop the works
Kampala, 18 November 2024: The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) took taken a decisive stance against Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd for illegal construction on the Jugula Drainage Channel, a vital waterway feeding into the Nakivubo Drainage Channel.
Despite a directive issued on November 11, 2024, under Section 46 of the Physical Planning Act, 2010, to halt construction and restore the channel within seven days, the developer has continued work without the required permits.
The KCCA order demanded Ham Enterprises to “stop illegal construction” and “restore the drainage channel within seven days.”
Interestingly, this directive has been ignored, resulting in significant flooding at St. Balikuddembe Market (Owino), which KCCA described as causing “severe inconvenience and financial losses to some vendors.”
Ham Enterprises has argued that its construction is backed by building plans approved in 2017.
KCCA countered that these approvals have since expired and clarified, “Such approvals, having expired as outlined in Section 38 of the Building Control Act, 2013, did not permit the company to do development on a drainage channel.”
The flooding at Owino Market, a vital economic hub supporting thousands of traders, has triggered public outrage.
“KCCA needs to act swiftly and decisively to enforce the law,” one market vendor said. “We cannot keep suffering losses because of private developers who disregard public infrastructure.”
Critics have also accused KCCA of failing to enforce its authority.
Willy Kiberu, a concerned citizen, remarked, “Did you just say construction is ongoing even when you asked it to stop??? This is a serious indicator that you don’t have the power to halt Ham Enterprises.”
Nicholas Nabaasa echoed similar frustrations, calling KCCA’s response insufficient. “Such a vague statement, its emptiness is loud! What’s the way forward? Are you halting the work henceforth? What’s the punitive action to be taken against this breach? Who’s going to pay for the property loss worth millions of shillings? Where are the law enforcement officers?”
The public is demanding clear, immediate measures, including halting construction, penalizing the developer, and restoring the drainage channel.
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