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Traders said they woke up to find the market submerged
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By Our Reporters
Traders at St. Balikudembe Market, commonly known as Owino, have accused city businessman Hamis Kiggundu of causing the severe flooding that destroyed merchandise worth millions on Saturday evening.
The traders claim that Kiggundu’s construction project near the market has obstructed the Nakivubo Channel, redirecting water into the market and resulting in extensive damage.
“We woke up to find our market submerged. Ham’s decision to alter the Jugula drainage channel near the market entrance is a deliberate act to frustrate our businesses. Our goods have been ruined,” lamented Agnes Namagembe, a vendor dealing in secondhand clothes.
Reginah Nabukera, another trader, alleged that Kiggundu’s construction blocked the natural water flow, leading to stagnation and flooding in the market. “The drainage infrastructure was tampered with, worsening the situation,” she said.
Vendors demand compensation
Jane Buwule, a vendor whose merchandise was destroyed, called for immediate intervention. “We need compensation from Hamis Kiggundu. His actions have caused these losses, and the Government must step in to stop him,” she said.
Phinah Agaba, a tailor, revealed that she lost her sewing machine and over UGX 1 million due to the flooding. “Before Ham built at the former Park Yard, we faced frequent fire outbreaks. Now, he’s using a new tactic of diverting drainage channels to take over our market stalls,” she alleged.
Hassan Ssentongo, another vendor, echoed the calls for accountability. “We can’t keep operating under these conditions. Ham must take responsibility for this mess,” he said.
KCCA halts construction
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) confirmed it had previously halted Kiggundu’s construction, citing violations.
“We have not approved the construction plans. Ham is presenting plans for a stadium instead of addressing the drainage channel in question. The developer must respect the Nakivubo Channel’s integrity and adhere to city regulations,” said Douglas Nsubuga, a KCCA physical planner.
Nsubuga stressed the need to prioritize drainage and environmental factors in urban development. “This construction has blocked the Nakivubo Channel. We’ve engaged the developer, but they remain non-compliant,” he added.
Kiggundu defends himself
Responding to the allegations, Kiggundu denied responsibility for the flooding, attributing it to widespread drainage issues in Kampala.
“There are floods everywhere in Kampala—Nateete, Bwaise, Entebbe Road. Am I the cause of all of them? Our project is legitimate, and we are working to resolve the issue,” he said.
He also criticized what he described as Ugandans’ resistance to progress. “People in Uganda don’t want to see development in someone’s life. They thrive on falsehoods and blackmail, which is harmful to our city,” he added.
Traders struggling with removing their goods from floods
Land dispute with Catholic church
The flooding controversy arises as Kiggundu is embroiled in a separate land dispute with the Catholic Church over construction near St. Balikudembe Church.
Church leaders, including catechist Morris Lubega, accuse Kiggundu of building on Church-owned land, which also encompasses a drainage channel.
“He is building on sacred grounds where Uganda Martyrs Joseph Mukasa Balikuddembe and Athanasius Bazzeketta were executed in 1886. This construction desecrates our heritage,” Lubega said.
Lubega further alleged that Kiggundu deployed security personnel to prevent church members from accessing the site and extended his construction into Church land without consent.
Kiggundu claims ownership
Kiggundu maintains that he legally purchased the land from the Buganda Land Board and possesses valid documentation. “Between my land and the Church is a road, not a drainage channel. The KCCA boundary report confirms this. These allegations are baseless,” he argued.
According to KCCA’s May 2024 survey, the Church and market stalls partially encroach on Nakivubo Close. The survey found no evidence of a designated drainage reserve at the disputed location.
KCCA’s warning
In a letter dated November 11, KCCA declared the construction of permanent structures over the drainage channel illegal.
“Under Section 46 of the Physical Planning Act 2010, you are conducting unauthorized developments on Plot 26 and 28 Nakivubo. Provide approved plans and a survey report within seven days or face legal action,” the letter read.
The ongoing disputes underscore the need for clear regulations and effective enforcement to balance urban development with public and environmental interests.
Torch Media Africa
