The Nakivubo Drainage Channel, once a lifeline designed to shield the capital from floods, has in recent decades become a symbol of urban neglect.
Choked with solid waste, carrying untreated sewage, and notorious for floods during heavy rains, the channel has disrupted business, endangered lives, and tainted the city’s image.
Now, a historic redevelopment effort is underway to give the channel a new face ahead of Uganda’s hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The project, jointly championed by the government, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), and private developers, promises to turn what was once Kampala’s greatest urban liability into a model of modern infrastructure.
For years, traders in downtown Kampala have suffered losses whenever the channel overflows, with markets and roads left submerged.
Beyond the economic costs, more than 100 lives have been lost to accidental falls into the trench, while petty criminals turned its dark corners into hideouts.
The turning point came when the Confederation of African Football (CAF), while inspecting facilities, commended progress at the state-of-the-art Hamz Stadium but expressed concern about the open Nakivubo Channel.
CAF’s guidance was clear: for Kampala to be fully ready, the drainage must be covered and modernized.
Planners say the proposed design will go far beyond flood control. It includes underground chambers to regulate stormwater, solid waste filtration units, and water recycling points.
Above ground, the channel will be landscaped with green public spaces, pedestrian walkways, and secure resting areas. Once completed, the corridor will not only safeguard livelihoods but also offer residents and visitors a refreshing urban environment.
KCCA has praised the collaboration with local investor Hamis Kiggundu, noting that his input, combined with CAF’s technical guidance, has made the project a realistic national priority.
Officials stress that the redevelopment is an example of how private sector partnerships can accelerate Uganda’s urban transformation without relying solely on foreign aid.
For the business community, the redevelopment represents hope. Safer streets, fewer floods, and cleaner surroundings will mean greater stability for traders in the city’s busiest commercial hub. For Kampala’s residents, the project promises dignity, safety, and a healthier environment.
And for the nation, it offers something bigger: the chance to showcase resilience and readiness on a continental stage. As one city planner remarked, “No modern capital can thrive with an open sewer running through its center. This is Kampala’s moment to rise.”
If completed on schedule, the new Nakivubo will cease to be a scar on the city and instead become a symbol of renewal — a lasting legacy that extends beyond AFCON, reflecting what Uganda can achieve when vision meets collaboration.
