The redevelopment of the Nakivubo Channel, long regarded as Kampala’s most pressing urban drainage challenge, has gained fresh momentum thanks to a robust partnership involving businessman Dr. Hamis Kiggundu (Ham), the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and guidance from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) inspection teams.
The channel, which runs through the heart of Kampala’s central business district, has been a persistent source of flooding, pollution, and safety hazards for decades. The ongoing transformation aims to create a modern, environmentally friendly corridor that will not only protect the city from floods but also redefine its urban landscape ahead of Uganda’s hosting of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
CAF officials, during recent inspections, praised the progress of the redevelopment project, emphasizing that upgrading the channel to international standards is essential for Kampala’s readiness to host Africa’s premier football tournament. Their recommendations have significantly guided the project’s implementation to ensure it meets both environmental and infrastructural benchmarks.
KCCA has committed to the redevelopment by providing technical oversight and aligning the efforts with the city’s broader drainage master plan.
“The collaboration between public institutions and private investors such as Hamis Kiggundu is exactly what Kampala needs to address long-standing urban challenges. This is not only about AFCON; it is about leaving a permanent legacy of safety, beauty, and functionality for city residents,” said a KCCA official.
Dr. Kiggundu, who is financing the ambitious upgrade, expressed that the project symbolizes both national pride and community development.
“The Nakivubo Channel has been a source of floods, insecurity, and loss of life for too long. This redevelopment is about giving Kampala a clean, safe, and modern urban drainage system. It’s a responsibility we owe our people, and a statement that Uganda is ready for the future,” he stated.
Upon completion, the redeveloped Nakivubo Channel will include underground flood-control chambers, solid waste filtration systems, pedestrian walkways, and green public spaces.
No longer will it be a scar across Kampala; instead, it will stand as a showcase of smart city design and an eco-friendly corridor that supports business and tourism.
The project has been recognized as a model of self-driven development, relying on local investment rather than foreign aid, setting a precedent for future urban projects in the region.
