Without a clear working plan,works have commenced without any intervention of the authorities for a would-be public project of such magnitude
Kampala Central MP aspirant Susan Kushaba has petitioned the World Bank to intervene in the ongoing redevelopment works on the Nakivubo Channel, accusing Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), government ministries, and developer KIHAM Enterprises of flouting environmental safeguards and violating the rights of city traders.
In her petition dated September 17, Kushaba, writing on behalf of sections of the downtown business community, argues that the construction is “detrimental to the environment and the future of business around downtown Kampala, Owino Market and other areas.”
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Kushaba recalled that the World Bank previously financed the Nakivubo Channel Rehabilitation Project in 1999 through a US$19.15 million loan.
She cited the Bank’s environmental assessment and recommendations at the time, which included widening the channel, removing accumulated silt, constructing culverts, planting trees along the banks, and setting up an escrow account for maintenance.
“We doubt these have been respected and honoured by KCCA and the government of Uganda,” Kushaba noted in her petition, accusing authorities of giving away the channel without legal requirements such as an environmental impact certificate, scientific studies, or competitive procurement.
She further alleged that traders’ livelihoods have been disrupted by flooding caused by the ongoing works. “A small downpour on the 16th of September left merchandise in five shopping arcades and part of Owino Market destroyed by flash floodwaters,” the petition reads.
The petition also accuses the Minister for Kampala, Minsa Kabanda, KCCA Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, and developer Hamis Kiggundu of illegally sanctioning the project.
“Without a clear working plan,works have commenced without any intervention of the authorities for a would-be public project of such magnitude,” Kushaba argued.
Kushaba urged the World Bank, as a “key previous financier and strategic partner of the government of Uganda,” to halt support to the city authorities until the anomalies are rectified.
She called for compensation to traders who lost merchandise, restoration of the channel to its original form, and full disclosure of agreements between KCCA and KIHAM Enterprises.
“We are seeking your intervention to stop any financing to the City authorities until they rectify the anomalies in this project including stopping the illegal construction work,” she wrote.
The controversy over the Nakivubo Channel has been politically charged. Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago earlier warned against the redevelopment, but President Museveni directed that businessman Hamis Kiggundu be allowed to proceed.
Critics argue that building over the channel threatens Kampala’s main drainage system and could worsen flooding in the city.
“This move deprived many city dwellers of a livelihood, caused traffic congestion and affected flood water flow on rainy days,” Kushaba’s petition emphasised.
The World Bank has not yet issued a response to Kushaba’s appeal.
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