The Katikkiro’s Call for Compensation and Environmental Responsibility
The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, has voiced his concerns over the recent floods that devastated parts of Kampala, particularly around the Nakivubo Channel. He extended his condolences to the families who lost loved ones and expressed solidarity with traders whose businesses were destroyed. These losses have been largely attributed to the ongoing development project at the Nakivubo Channel, led by businessman Hamis Kiggundu, known as Ham.
During a press briefing held in Bulange on Thursday, the Katikkiro highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to support affected traders. He emphasized that many of these individuals rely on their businesses as their sole source of income, and without proper compensation, they may be forced to abandon their enterprises.
“We are in a period where a lot of money is being dished out during campaigns, and a small portion of that money could go a long way in compensating the affected business people so that they do not give up on their enterprises, which are their way of life,” he stated.
Identifying the Affected Traders
The Katikkiro noted that identifying the affected traders would not be difficult, as most of the incidents were captured on camera. He also pointed out that the traders in the Nakivubo area know one another well, making it easier to determine who needs assistance.
“The affected areas are on camera, and the people who were heavily affected are known by each other. The government should be able to work with business leaders like KACITA to establish the real victims and find resources to support them,” he said.
He added that compensating the affected traders would not require a large budget compared to what is being spent on campaign activities across the country. “I am sure the government can find the resources because it’s not a lot of money given the area that was affected,” Mr. Mayiga said.
A Call for Solidarity and Government Action
The Katikkiro extended his condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones in the floods and expressed solidarity with traders whose businesses were destroyed. He emphasized that many of these individuals have families to care for and some have lost their only capital, leaving them deeply traumatised.
“We express our solidarity with them,” he added. He also called for the government to take similar actions as it does for communities affected by natural disasters such as landslides in Rwenzori. “The downpour was an act of God, but in other situations where people are affected by natural disasters, the government steps in with relief and recovery measures; the same should happen here,” he said.
The Katikkiro welcomed reports that the government is engaging with the business community to explore possible compensation for those who lost both property and lives. “We have heard that the government is in touch with traders to discuss compensation, and we support that initiative,” he said.
Urban Development and Environmental Concerns
The Katikkiro also urged authorities to handle future urban development projects with proper planning, consultation, and adherence to environmental standards. “We need development in Kampala, but it must follow due process. We have witnessed countries that develop their cities while protecting water sources and drainage systems. The same must happen here,” he said.
Nakivubo Channel, according to the Katikkiro, plays a significant ecological role for the city. It drains water from large sections of Kampala into Lake Victoria. “Any development there must be done carefully and with full technical input from environmental, engineering, and health experts,” he said.
He warned that uncoordinated construction and blocked drainage could worsen flooding and endanger lives and livelihoods in the city centre. “If you have a good initiative but use the wrong methods, the results tend to be less than desirable. Authorities must ensure that the city’s development follows due process so that the outcome benefits residents and the country at large.”
Recent Developments and Ongoing Efforts
The Katikkiro’s remarks came just a day after government officials and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) leaders inspected the ongoing Nakivubo Channel reconstruction project. This followed public outrage over flooding that destroyed businesses near the project, which President Museveni had previously described as “Godly” in a letter of approval.
By close of yesterday, KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki had directed the businessman to halt all ongoing construction works around the Nakivubo Channel and to unblock drainage routes that connect to the main water system.
Leaders from the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) have since called for a joint verification exercise to document the affected traders and to push for government compensation.