KAMPALA.The controversy surrounding redevelopment of Nakivubo Channel project has taken a new twist with National Environment Management Authority (Nema) clearing the project .
The endorsement is contained in environmental and social impact assessment certificate that was handed to Kiham Enterprises Uganda Limited ,a company owned by businessman Ham Kiggundu.The certificate issued on October 3,2025, is valid for five years .
“This is to certify that the project received from Kiham submitted to Nema in accordance with the National Environmental Act , CAP 181 regarding the proposed development of Nakivubo Channel ,has been reviewed and approved ,” the letter read
Nema stated that it conducted a review of the channel , identified significant environmental impacts, and prescribed appropriate mitigation measures as conditions for approval and implementation of the project . Nema’s head of communications, Naomi Karekaho, confirmed the approval .
However , Geoffrey Kamese,the executive director of BioVision Africa, an environmental advocacy group, said the environmental and social impact assessment for the channel’s redevelopment should have been discussed with the public to enable experts to identify potential negative impacts and explore ways to mitigate them .
Kamese said while the redevelopment of the channel has contributed to flooding in the surrounding areas, the old channel had also become a health hazard to the community .
On August 22 KCCA issued a directive to businessman Hamis Kiggundu , the proprietor of Ham Enterprises Ltd ,a firm constructing the channel to halt all ongoing activities ,but construction works have continued unabated at the site. KCCA argued that construction had commenced without the necessary statutory guidance and approval. The National Environment Management Authority (Nema), which is responsible for issuing licences for construction works in wetlands, has yet to approve the project.
The businessman is also planning to erect shops above the drainage channel
The targeted part of the channel stretches from Namayiba Tax Park to Clock Tower .
Background
On April 3, 2025 KCCA convened a council meeting that approved the project’s construction. Tensions escalated on August 16, when Mr Kiggundu cordoned off the channel to begin work, prompting criticism from environmentalists and opposition groups regarding the project’s environmental impact. On August 26, officials from Mr Kiggundu’s team, Nema, and KCCA were summoned by the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (Cosase) to address concerns about the project’s environmental impact and the alleged mismanagement of public resources. The situation escalated when Speaker Anita Among intervened, halting Cosase’s investigation into the controversial giveaway of the drainage channel. She appointed a five-member fact-finding team tasked with conducting an oversight visit and submit a report to Parliament within 14 days. The report is not yet out .