The Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi, has urged the government to provide immediate support to the families of the seven people who lost their lives in the recent Kampala floods.

During a plenary sitting on March 27, 2025, Ssenyonyi called out the government on its discriminative ways of enforcing environmental laws, citing the eviction in Lubigi wetlands, where homes of poor people were demolished, while the rich continue to construct along Kampala’s drainage channels with no repercussions.

He also called for direct outreach to the families of the dead and relief for those displaced, many of whom are now seeking shelter in places of worship after their homes were submerged.

”The root cause of these floods is poor drainage, and it is well known; however, in Kampala, many buildings with poor or no drainage planning are rapidly emerging in every corner. Who is approving these death traps?”  asked LOP.

“The government must update Parliament on the measures being taken to prevent these recurring issues,” he added.

Ssenyonyi further stressed that Namanve, which was a vital water catchment area, has been completely lost to development, with factories and hotels receiving government approval for the rich and untouchables.

He also linked the recent extreme weather conditions to government inaction, recalling a recent parliamentary discussion on the heat wave that reportedly caused deaths and left people collapsing in various constituencies and urged the government to act swiftly to reduce the heavy rains and flooding.

As floods continue to devastate communities, it is clear that a more inclusive and effective approach is needed to address both the immediate needs of the affected families and the long-term environmental challenges facing the city.

The LOP’s demand for accountability in the enforcement of building regulations, the preservation of vital water catchment areas, and the government’s response to extreme weather patterns highlight the urgent need for coordinated efforts to prevent further loss of life and property.