A heated Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) council session on Thursday saw Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago strongly criticized after his accusations against real estate mogul Dr. Hamis Kiggundu and former Acting Executive Director Frank Nyakana Rusa were thoroughly refuted. In a rare display of unity, councilors dismissed Lukwago’s allegations as unfounded and counterproductive, instead choosing to commend Rusa for his service and approve new measures to collaborate with local investors to solve the capital’s longstanding flooding problem.

Lukwago’s Allegations Collapse Under Scrutiny

The meeting, held at City Hall, took a dramatic turn when Mayor Lukwago accused billionaire businessman Dr. Kiggundu of unauthorized construction works on the Nakivubo drainage channel, which he linked to the flooding that hit several parts of Kampala in March 2025. He also called for disciplinary action against Frank Nyakana Rusa, claiming the former acting KCCA Executive Director supported the project inappropriately.

However, councilors quickly pushed back, pointing to official records showing that Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd, Kiggundu’s company, had followed the required procedures. The drainage improvement plans were submitted to KCCA on December 9, 2024, reviewed by the technical team, and legally approved.

Furthermore, the criminal case Lukwago referenced—filed against Kiggundu personally—was dismissed earlier this year by the KCCA Magistrate Court on grounds of legal inconsistency. The council concluded that Lukwago’s claims were without merit and criticized him for undermining both development efforts and KCCA’s internal processes.

Council Applauds Frank Rusa for Exceptional Leadership

In a moment that contrasted sharply with the criticism directed at the Lord Mayor, Frank Nyakana Rusa was formally recognized for his contribution to KCCA during his tenure as Acting Executive Director. Rusa, who led the Authority between September and December 2024 following the removal of Dorothy Kisaka, was credited for overseeing critical infrastructure work during a period of crisis.

The council awarded him a Certificate of Appreciation, praising his calm, objective leadership and his role in supervising the Nakivubo project, which they said helped avert more severe flooding in the area despite record rainfall.

A photo shared from Rusa’s office showed him holding the award proudly, flanked by the Ugandan and KCCA flags.

Nakivubo Redevelopment Yields Results

Dr. Kiggundu’s Nakivubo drainage intervention, initiated in November 2024 as part of broader urban improvement plans ahead of AFCON 2024, has been hailed by residents and KCCA officials as a success story. While many parts of the city were overwhelmed by March’s torrential rains, the Nakivubo area remained dry—a testament to the project’s effectiveness.

The council acknowledged that the drainage crisis facing Kampala is the result of years of neglect, poor solid waste management, and outdated infrastructure. They emphasized that scapegoating developers working within legal frameworks does not solve the problem.

Local Investors to Play a Key Role in City Development

In a landmark resolution, the council agreed to partner with credible local investors to modernize the city’s stormwater drainage systems. Drawing inspiration from global urban centers that have adopted covered, underground drainage, KCCA pledged to work with private developers under regulated frameworks to transform Kampala’s infrastructure.

The council also urged national leaders to support local capacity instead of relying solely on foreign assistance. “Our solutions must be driven by Ugandans who understand the challenges on the ground,” said one councilor.

Looking Ahead

As Kampala continues to grapple with the effects of urbanization, this latest KCCA council meeting has sparked renewed optimism among residents. With Lukwago’s influence seemingly on the decline and the Authority embracing pragmatic solutions, many are hopeful that the capital is finally turning a corner in the fight against floods and political gridlock.

The real test, however, will be in implementation—ensuring that policy translates into action, and that partnerships are grounded in transparency and accountability.