In a riveting turn of events that exposed cracks in Kampala’s leadership and energized calls for practical solutions, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago was left politically bruised and publicly rebuked during a fiery Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) council session. His attempts to discredit city businessman Dr. Hajji Hamis Kiggundu and former Acting Executive Director Frank Nyakana Rusa backfired spectacularly, as council members rallied around the two men for their service and commitment to Kampala’s development.
What unfolded at City Hall was more than a clash of egos—it was a defining moment for how the capital city approaches its most persistent challenge: flooding.
A Showdown at City Hall: Lukwago’s Allegations Crumble
The highly charged KCCA council meeting, held on Thursday, April 3, 2025, began with Lord Mayor Lukwago launching scathing accusations against billionaire property developer Dr. Hamis Kiggundu. He alleged that Kiggundu’s company, Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd, was responsible for recent floods across Kampala due to the reconstruction of the Jugula Channel around Nakivubo, claiming the works were unauthorized and poorly executed.
He didn’t stop there. Lukwago also called for disciplinary action against Frank Nyakana Rusa, accusing the former Acting Executive Director of “complicity” for allegedly fast-tracking approvals for Kiggundu’s drainage works.
However, what was meant to be a political ambush quickly turned into a public embarrassment for the Lord Mayor.
🧾 Evidence Speaks Louder: KCCA Council Rallies Behind Kiggundu and Rusa
Council members came well-prepared. With documents and minutes in hand, they demonstrated that Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd had duly submitted engineering plans for the Nakivubo project on December 9, 2024, which were reviewed and lawfully approved by KCCA technical teams.
Furthermore, the legal case Lukwago referenced had already been thrown out by the KCCA Magistrate Court on January 14, 2025, for targeting Kiggundu personally instead of his company—a misstep seen as a blatant disregard for corporate legal protections under the principle of limited liability.
The council, in unison, dismissed the Lord Mayor’s claims as “baseless, unprofessional, and politically motivated.” Several members went further, questioning Lukwago’s fitness to continue leading Kampala, citing his tendency to undermine constructive partnerships in favor of populist grandstanding.
The Day’s Hero: Frank Nyakana Rusa Gets His Flowers
In contrast to Lukwago’s humiliation, Frank Nyakana Rusa emerged as the unsung hero. Rusa, who steered KCCA as Acting Executive Director from September to December 2024 after the suspension of Dorothy Kisaka, received an Appreciation Award from the council for his “exemplary service and leadership.”
Under Rusa’s brief but impactful tenure, KCCA oversaw multiple sensitive projects, including supervising the Nakivubo channel upgrade spearheaded by Kiggundu. Despite record-breaking rains in March 2025, the Nakivubo area remained notably flood-free—an outcome the council credited to both Kiggundu’s initiative and Rusa’s professional oversight.
In a powerful moment of recognition, Rusa was photographed holding his award against a backdrop of the Ugandan and KCCA flags, a symbolic reminder of what focused leadership can accomplish.
Nakivubo: A Rare Success Story Amid the Floods
While other parts of the city—Clock Tower, Kawempe, Natete, and the Northern Bypass—struggled with deep water and traffic standstills, Nakivubo stood as a model of what’s possible when government and private investors work in sync.
Kiggundu’s proactive redevelopment of the drainage channel near Nakivubo Stadium, initially sparked by AFCON 2024 preparation requirements, proved resilient against the March downpours. Residents in the area praised the improved stormwater system, many saying they hadn’t seen the area flood-free in decades.
Yet despite these visible improvements, Lukwago attempted to spin the narrative, painting Kiggundu as a saboteur—a move the council firmly rejected as detached from reality.
A Bold Resolution: Kampala Turns to Local Investors
Amid the storm of accusations, the council made a game-changing resolution: to partner with credible local investors in a bid to upgrade the city’s aging and overwhelmed drainage infrastructure.
Acknowledging the dual constraints of limited central government funding and shrinking foreign aid, councilors stressed the need for homegrown solutions. They cited cities like Kigali and Nairobi, which have implemented underground drainage systems, as inspiration for Kampala’s next chapter.
“The floods are not caused by development. They are caused by inaction, open drainage, and lack of vision,” one councilor noted.
Developers like Dr. Kiggundu, they argued, should be supported, not vilified. “The solution to our problems must come from within,” echoed another voice on the council floor.
What This Means for Kampala’s Future
Thursday’s council session was more than just political theater—it may mark the beginning of a new era in city governance.
With the council sending a strong message about accountability, professionalism, and collaboration, the onus now falls on the administration to implement these resolutions swiftly. Will Kampala finally escape its flooding nightmare? Will political grudges continue to stand in the way of progress?
One thing is certain: The tides are turning—both literally and figuratively. And for the first time in a while, Kampala’s residents have reason to hope.
