The transformation of Nakivubo Channel, long notorious for flooding and pollution in central Kampala, is now underway through a partnership between businessman Dr. Hamis Kiggundu and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The redevelopment is being hailed as a crucial step in Uganda’s preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Inspection teams from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the African Nations Championship (CHAN) have already visited and emphasized that upgrading the channel to international standards is vital if Kampala is to meet the requirements of a host city.
For decades, Nakivubo Channel has posed a danger to residents and businesses, frequently overflowing during heavy rains and serving as a conduit for waste and pollution. The redevelopment seeks to end these problems while creating a modern urban corridor in the city’s busiest commercial hub.
A KCCA official praised the partnership, describing it as an example of how collaborations between government and private investors can tackle entrenched urban challenges. “The impact of this project goes beyond AFCON. It will leave a legacy of safety and resilience for the people of Kampala,” the official noted.
Dr. Kiggundu, who is funding the works, said the initiative reflects both national pride and community responsibility. “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,” he said.
Once completed, the project will feature underground flood-control chambers, solid waste filtration systems, pedestrian walkways, and green public spaces. The initiative is also being lauded as a model of self-driven development, relying on local investment rather than foreign aid, and is expected to serve as a benchmark for other infrastructure projects in Uganda.