By BM
A scandal rocked Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) on Monday as a special council meeting erupted into chaos after Lord Mayor Ssalongo Erias Lukwago called for the arrest of city tycoon Hamis Kiggundu over alleged illegal construction on the Nakivubo Channel.
The meeting, convened urgently at City Hall to address Nakivubo Channel development concerns, quickly descended into heated debate and confusion, exposing deep divisions within Kampala’s city leadership.
Mysterious Delay and Closed-Door Meeting
Councilors were unexpectedly held for nearly 30 minutes in a closed-door session before the official meeting began, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
The exact purpose of this private discussion remains unclear, but the delay set a tense atmosphere even before the debate started.
Lord Mayor Lukwago took his seat promptly at noon with a small group of locals watching from the gallery.
When Speaker Zahra Maala Luyirika led the councilors into the chamber, the meeting kicked off with an intense focus on the contentious Nakivubo Channel development by Hamis Kiggundu’s company.
Arrest Motion Sparks Unrest
Though all councilors agreed to halt ongoing construction on the channel, the motion to arrest Hamis Kiggundu sparked immediate uproar.
Several councilors vocally opposed the proposal, accusing Lukwago of overstepping and politicizing the issue.
Tensions escalated as some members alleged the presence of spies and provocateurs in the gallery, suggesting attempts to intimidate councilors during the proceedings.
The meeting quickly became chaotic, with shouting and interruptions making orderly debate nearly impossible.
Council Denies Allegations of Land Sale
Speaker Luyirika firmly denied the Lord Mayor’s allegations that the council had sold off Nakivubo Channel land to the tycoon.
She emphasized that no documents or approvals had been signed to authorize any construction and stressed the importance of following due process under Uganda’s physical planning laws.
“We are dealing with a complex situation involving thousands of people who rely on the channel for their livelihoods,” Luyirika said. “Development must be lawful and considerate of all stakeholders.”
Lukwago’s Frustration and Accusations
Despite the pushback, Lukwago expressed deep frustration with what he described as council inaction.
He accused Speaker Luyirika and other councilors of being complicit in allowing unauthorized development, warning that failure to hold Hamis Kiggundu accountable could encourage further illegal encroachments on public infrastructure.
“This is a betrayal of the people of Kampala,” Lukwago said. “We must protect our public assets from exploitation by the powerful.”
What’s Next for Nakivubo?
The KCCA council concluded the meeting without passing a resolution to arrest the tycoon, opting instead to investigate further and engage relevant government ministries.
The controversy has raised urgent questions about governance, transparency, and the future of one of Kampala’s vital drainage systems.
As the scandal unfolds, residents and city officials alike await clarity on who authorized the construction and what will be done to safeguard Nakivubo Channel from potential environmental and social harm.
