The Nakivubo Channel, Kampala’s main drainage system, is undergoing a major transformation into a modern urban water corridor. The ongoing redevelopment valued at over UGX 180 billion, has sparked both praise and controversy, especially following recent floods that affected many traders. The government says the project is part of efforts to modernize the capital ahead of AFCON 2027.

The redevelopment, led by businessman Hamis Kiggundu (Ham) in partnership with the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), aims to widen, line, and cover parts of the channel. It also includes installing solid waste filtration systems, creating walkways, and adding green spaces, turning what was once a polluted waterway into a cleaner and more commercially active urban zone.

According to the initial designs, the channel’s width has been expanded from about six to twelve meters in some sections, allowing it to handle more stormwater and reduce flooding in the city center. Maintenance works such as desilting, clearing debris, and removing illegal structures are already in progress, even as final regulatory approvals are awaited.

However, the ambitious project has not been without challenges. After recent floods that destroyed property worth billions, KCCA officials clarified that parts of the construction had begun before receiving full approval, leading to a temporary suspension of some sections.

Environmental experts have also raised concerns that covering long stretches of the channel could increase flood risks if not properly engineered. “A covered or restricted channel could trap more water than it releases during heavy rain,” one city engineer told Nexus Media.

Critics further worry about the displacement of informal vendors and small businesses that once operated along the channel.

Still, supporters argue that the project could be a turning point for Kampala’s urban renewal. Once completed, the Nakivubo Channel is expected to ensure cleaner water flow into Lake Victoria, reduce flooding in areas like Clock Tower and Owino Market, and create new commercial and recreational spaces in the heart of the city.

As construction continues, the focus remains on whether KCCA’s environmental and technical assessments will fully approve the project and ensure that modernization goes hand in hand with sustainability.

For now, Kampala watches as the once-polluted Nakivubo Channel begins to take on a new shape, one that could redefine the city’s landscape.

In many ways, the project stands as both a symbol of Kampala’s ambition and a test of its planning discipline. Whether it becomes a model of smart urban renewal or a cautionary tale of rushed development will depend on how well authorities balance progress with prudence.

Amid cranes and concrete, the city holds its breath, hoping the waters that once symbolized chaos will soon reflect a new era of order, beauty, and transformation.