By Ben Musanje
Frustration and desperation are deepening in Kampala as flood victims continue to suffer while waiting for long-promised compensation. Prince Kassim Nakibinge has now stepped into the crisis with a strong and urgent demand, calling on city leaders to act immediately and rescue struggling families from worsening hardship.
Speaking during Eid celebrations at his residence in Kibuli, Nakibinge painted a grim picture of the situation. Many residents have lost property, businesses, and their only sources of income. Some are now buried under debt, unable to repay loans, while others are simply trying to find their next meal. For these victims, the delay in compensation is not just painful — it is pushing them to the brink.
Nakibinge directly tasked the Minister for Kampala, Minsa Kabanda, and the Outgoing Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago to ensure that the promised funds reach the affected people without further delay. His message was blunt and urgent, the decision to compensate victims has already been made, so implementation must happen “like yesterday.”
He stressed that many of the victims were already vulnerable before the floods struck. Living hand-to-mouth, they had little to fall back on. Now, after losing what little they had, they are left in a desperate situation, waiting for help that seems slow in coming.
Nakibinge also warned about the risk of fraud in the compensation process. He cautioned that some individuals may try to take advantage of the situation by falsely claiming to be victims. He urged authorities to carry out thorough verification to ensure that only those genuinely affected receive support.
At the same time, he pointed to a deeper and recurring problem, poor drainage in Kampala. He warned that unless drainage channels are cleaned and properly maintained, the city will continue to face devastating floods every time heavy rains fall. His call was not only for immediate relief but also for long-term solutions to prevent future disasters.
As pressure mounted, Minister Kabanda responded, offering reassurance that the government is aware of the situation and is working toward compensating the victims. She revealed that funds had already been promised at the highest level, with the President committing 22 billion shillings to support those affected.
However, she explained that the compensation process is being handled through the Prime Minister’s office, and her role is to coordinate once the final steps are confirmed. According to her, meetings are ongoing, and the process is moving forward, though she did not give a specific timeline.
Her response, while acknowledging the crisis, highlights the slow pace of government processes that has left many victims feeling forgotten. For those sleeping in damaged homes or struggling to restart businesses, the wait continues to feel endless.
Nakibinge’s strong intervention has now intensified pressure on authorities to move beyond meetings and deliver real support on the ground. His message has struck a chord with many Ugandans who believe that action must match promises.
The number of traders affected by floods in Kampala, particularly surrounding the Nakivubo channel, is highly disputed, with estimates ranging from 360 to over 2,000. While KCCA and official verification efforts initially listed 454 to 460 traders for compensation, traders’ associations have claimed higher numbers, including reports of up to 1,600 affected, as reported by the media.
As rains continue to threaten the city, fear is growing that more destruction could follow if urgent steps are not taken. Residents are now watching closely, hoping that this renewed push will finally bring relief.
For flood victims, time is running out. The demand is clear — compensation must come now, not later. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
