The Acting Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Frank Rusa, has suspended construction by Ham Enterprises near the Jugula drainage channel and St. Balikuddembe Catholic Church, pending a technical review.

Rusa, accompanied by Deputy Director Robert Nowere and senior officials from the Physical Planning and Roads and Drainage departments, inspected the sites following complaints from traders and stakeholders about recent flooding in St. Balikuddembe Market. Concerns were also raised about blocked access to the church, a historical and cultural landmark.

“We wanted to understand whether the flooding is directly caused by the developments in this area and to ensure that all constructions comply with our physical planning requirements,” Rusa said. “For this reason, we have halted all construction works until our technical team completes a thorough assessment.”

Hamis Kiggundu, Director of Ham Enterprises, assured KCCA of his cooperation and emphasized his commitment to resolving the issues. “I am glad KCCA has come to conduct this assessment. I will pause development until the technical team provides guidance. St. Balikuddembe Catholic Church is a significant historical site, and I will ensure the church has full access,” Kiggundu stated.

Kiggundu also pledged to enhance the church’s surroundings, including improving signage and beautifying the area to accommodate visitors to the church, market, and nearby stadium. “We are having discussions with the Archbishop of Kampala to ensure mutual understanding, but I have assured him that I’m going to provide access to the church,” he added.

The church serves as an important spiritual and cultural hub for the local community and visitors to the bustling market and stadium.

WATCH
CONSTRUCTION HALTED: We have held a fruitful engagement together with @KiggunduHamis, Director Ham Enterprises (U) Ltd, Area Leaders, traders’ representatives and representatives of St. Balikuddembe Catholic Church on the ongoing construction over Jugula Channel —… pic.twitter.com/fGKZbuXc8m

— Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) (@KCCAUG) November 19, 2024

KCCA’s technical team will evaluate the developments’ impact on drainage, flooding, and access. Rusa expressed optimism about working collaboratively with developers to enhance Kampala’s infrastructure. “Our goal is to mitigate flooding and improve public access while ensuring that all developments align with physical planning guidelines,” he said.

The findings of the assessment will determine the next steps in addressing the flooding and ensuring sustainable urban development.

  Flooding in Kampala, Frank Rusa, Hamis Kiggundu, Kampala Capital City Authority, St. Balikuddembe Catholic Church