With the onset of the much awaited and anticipated El Niño season which had earlier been predicted by the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) to begin in early September through December 2026, did not materialized until last weekend in Kampala and Wakiso.
The heavy early-morning flash floods on Sunday, October 11, 2026, unleashed above-normal rainfall, flash floods, and waterlogging to Kampala, Wakiso districts and other parts of the country that left hundreds of commuters and motorists stranded.
In Kampala, some of the worst hit arears include: Nanasana, Kalerwe, Kyebando, Kireka, Kyanja and the greater Kampala Metropolitan area.
However, the worst hit was the Kampala Central Business District in Kikuubo, Shauriyako, the old taxi park and the nine kilometres Nakivubo Channel stretch that goes through. central urban area.
Once designated for the smooth runoff of water from most of the city’s developed hills and commercial zones before discharging toward Lake Victoria, the channel has since been rendered useless thanks to the presidential directive that gave away its sole intended purpose and autonomy for redevelopment by Business Hamis Kiggundu of KIHMA enterprises LTD.
Following his acquisition of the said Nakivubo Channel, Ham’s project has caused more harm than good to the people and neighbours in that locality.
Stunning Demolition Operations
On 7thOctober 2026, the Nakivubi Channel Area was thrown into panic mode as a demolition unit complete with bulldozers, the much-feared Kanyamas and armed personnel stormed area and embarked on an operation to raze buildings.
In the heat of the moment, police swung into action and recovered two excavators that had been used in the exercise, documented the scene, recorded statements from complainants and witnesses, and recovered two excavators suspected to have been used in the demolition.
Police later arrested four suspects identified as Mayanja Hamza, Ssekiddu Joseph Emillam, Kabuye Regan and Sande Robert Kanjako.
Investigators also recorded statements from the area chairperson, the Nakivubo Channel Redevelopment Project site manager and KCCA technical staff as they sought to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
These revelations have reignited questions about the circumstances surrounding the redevelopment of Nakivubo Channel, the competing claims over land occupied by traders and the accountability of those involved in the controversial operation
While the initial public debate largely focused on the drainage channel and its redevelopment, subsequent developments have raised concerns over alleged encroachment on land associated with St Balikuddembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market, which is government-owned and managed by KCCA.
Investigators also recorded statements from the area chairperson, the Nakivubo Channel Redevelopment Project site manager and KCCA technical staff as they sought to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
KCCA Denies Issuing Demolition Permit
The investigation took a significant turn when the case file was submitted to the Resident State Attorney (RSA) on March 9, 2026, for legal guidance.
According to the report, the prosecutor noted that the dispute involved competing land ownership claims between traders’ associations and Ham Enterprises, the company associated with Kiggundu.
However, KCCA reportedly clarified that it had not issued any person or entity a permit to undertake building operations, including demolition, in the disputed area.
Following the prosecutor’s guidance, the four suspects were charged with three offences: malicious damage to property belonging to Moses Namatiti Kasajja; malicious damage to property belonging to St Balikuddembe Market Stalls, Space and Lockup Shops Owners Association Limited (SSLOA); and carrying out building operations without a valid building permit.
The malicious damage charges were brought under Section 312(1) of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 128, while the charge relating to unauthorised building operations was preferred under Section 33(1) and (2) of the Building Control Act, Cap. 136.
The accused appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Buganda Road on March 11, 2026, and initially denied all three charges.
However, on March 18, they changed their pleas to guilty and were convicted on all counts, according to the police report.
The court-imposed fines on the first two counts, with six months’ imprisonment in default of payment. On the third count, relating to building operations without a valid permit, the accused were cautioned.
The convictions have brought renewed attention to the legality of the demolition and the regulatory oversight of redevelopment activities around Nakivubo Channel.
Who Ordered The Demolition?
Despite detailing the investigation, arrests, charges and convictions, the police report does not establish who ordered the demolition or resolve the underlying land ownership dispute involving the traders’ associations and Ham Enterprises.
The report was issued at the request of Kityo and Co. Advocates, who represent Kasajja, following payment under payment reference number 2270003319736.
The findings raise questions about how the demolition proceeded without a valid building permit, as reportedly confirmed by KCCA, and whether all individuals who may have played a role in the operation have been held accountable.
The circumstances surrounding the demolition have also raised concerns about the protection of traders’ property and the loss of workplaces as redevelopment projects continue to reshape parts of central Kampala.
The Partition Of Prime Government Land In Kampala
Meanwhile, redevelopment activities around Nakivubo Channel are reportedly continuing, with fresh concerns emerging over other public land in the city.
Information obtained by alleges that another Kampala businessman, Tom Kitandwe, has taken over part of the land occupied by Nakivubo Settlement Government Primary School whilst another name of Hassan Basajja Balaba has also surfaced linking him to the same.
Sources further allege that private business arrangements may have been reached between Kitandwe and Kiggundu in connection with developments in the area. However, the nature of any such arrangements, the ownership status of the affected land and the circumstances of the alleged takeover remain to be independently established.
The claims raise questions about the protection of public land, the role of KCCA in safeguarding government property and the approvals, if any, granted for developments affecting public institutions.
Who Is Fooling Who
The latest revelations have intensified calls for clarity on the Nakivubo redevelopment, particularly regarding the demolition of traders’ premises, the alleged absence of a valid permit and the extent to which the authorities have investigated the actions of all those involved.
Questions also remain over whether the affected traders have received compensation, how the competing land claims will be resolved and what measures are being taken to prevent further disputes.
As the redevelopment proceeds, the central question remains whether the project is being implemented within the law and with adequate protection for traders, public institutions and the property rights of affected individuals.
This publication will continue seeking responses from KCCA, Uganda Police, the relevant land authorities, Ham Enterprises, Kiggundu and Kitandwe regarding the allegations and outstanding questions.
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