Kampala Floods Devastate Traders as Museveni Orders Compensation

 

By Brian 

 Heavy rains on October 31, 2025, unleashed devastating floods across downtown Kampala, destroying merchandise worth millions of shillings and claiming at least four lives along the Nakivubo Channel, city authorities have confirmed.

The flash floods, which swept through major business hubs including Kikuubo, Owino Market, and Clock Tower areas, left hundreds of traders counting massive losses after their stalls and goods were submerged. Videos shared on social media showed torrents of muddy water carrying away vehicles, market stalls, and street vendors’ wares.

Officials have attributed the tragedy to persistent drainage problems in the capital, which were exacerbated by ongoing redevelopment works along the Nakivubo Channel — a key drainage artery meant to prevent such disasters. Critics say the construction has instead obstructed water flow and worsened flooding in surrounding areas.

Local reports indicate that several lawsuits have been filed against the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and businessman Hamis Kiggundu, whose company is overseeing parts of the Nakivubo Channel redevelopment. The plaintiffs accuse the parties of negligence and poor environmental planning that allegedly contributed to the flooding.

In response to public outcry, President Yoweri Museveni has directed the government to compensate affected traders. Teams from the Ministry of Disaster Preparedness, KCCA, and the Ministry of Trade have been dispatched to assess the extent of the damage and identify beneficiaries for the compensation scheme.

“The government will not abandon its citizens in this difficult time,” Museveni said in a statement issued on Saturday. “We shall ensure that all those who lost their livelihoods are supported as we also address the root causes of these floods.”

Officials say the government’s immediate priority is to restore livelihoods while taking steps to strengthen the city’s drainage and urban planning systems. Experts have long warned that Kampala’s rapid and unregulated urbanization has made it increasingly vulnerable to flash floods, especially during the rainy season.

Environmentalists and urban planners are now calling for a comprehensive audit of redevelopment projects in flood-prone areas and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.

The October 31 floods are among the worst to hit Kampala in recent years, reigniting debate over accountability, sustainable urban planning, and the balance between infrastructure development and environmental protection.

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