By Michelle Ndaga
Heavy rains on October 31, 2025, unleashed severe flooding across downtown Kampala, destroying merchandise worth millions of shillings and claiming at least four lives along the Nakivubo Channel, authorities confirmed.
The flash floods inundated several busy markets and business centers, leaving traders counting heavy losses after their stalls and goods were submerged.
The tragedy has been linked to long-standing drainage challenges in the capital, which were worsened by the recent Nakivubo Channel redevelopment project.
Local reports indicate that lawsuits have been filed against the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and developer Hamis Kiggundu, accusing them of negligence and poor environmental planning that allegedly contributed to the flooding.
In response, President Yoweri Museveni has directed the government to compensate affected traders. Assessment teams from relevant ministries are currently evaluating the full extent of the damages and investigating the causes of the disaster to guide further action.
Officials say the government’s priority is to restore livelihoods and address the infrastructural weaknesses that make Kampala increasingly vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains.
The October 31 floods are among the worst to hit the Ugandan capital in recent years, reigniting debate over urban planning, environmental management, and accountability in ongoing redevelopment projects.
