Africa-Press – Uganda. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has told Parliament that its officers were blocked from accessing the Nakivubo Channel construction site, intensifying concerns over alleged illegal redevelopment by city businessman Hamis Kiggundu.
The revelations prompted the Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE) to summon all key stakeholders, including Kiggundu, to appear before Parliament next week.
KCCA officials, led by Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi, had appeared before COSASE for the third time to respond to queries raised in the Auditor General’s report for the financial year 2023/2024.
However, the session quickly shifted focus to the controversial takeover and redevelopment of the Nakivubo Channel.
The committee tasked KCCA to explain how Ham Enterprises Limited was carrying out construction works despite questions over authorization.
In his response, Kigenyi confirmed that KCCA had received a development application from Ham Enterprises but stressed that the redevelopment plan was still under review.
“We received a development application from Ham Enterprises Limited, but the redevelopment plan is not yet approved,” Kigenyi told the committee.
He further disclosed that when KCCA officers attempted to visit the site, they were denied access due to heavy security presence.
Following the incident, Kigenyi said he wrote to the developer ordering a halt to all redevelopment works until the application had been formally assessed and approved.
Committee chairperson Medard Lubega Ssegona said the matter raised serious governance and accountability concerns, prompting COSASE to summon Kiggundu, KCCA officials, and other relevant authorities to appear before Parliament on Tuesday.
The committee intends to establish the legality of the redevelopment and the circumstances under which construction works proceeded without apparent approval.
The Nakivubo Channel, which drains stormwater through the city centre into Lake Victoria, has long been a flashpoint in Kampala’s urban planning.
Frequent flooding downtown has been linked to encroachment and poor maintenance of the drainage system, with environmentalists warning that further construction could worsen the situation.
Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, has faced scrutiny before over major city redevelopments, including the controversial Nakivubo Stadium project.
While his supporters argue that his private investment modernizes key infrastructure, critics accuse him of bypassing regulations and putting profit before public interest.
COSASE’s inquiry is expected to provide clarity on the project’s status and determine responsibility for any irregularities.
The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the future of the Nakivubo Channel and for Kampala’s broader approach to urban redevelopment.
For More News And Analysis About Uganda Follow Africa-Press
