Eight people are believed to have lost their lives in the areas of Kikajjo, Lubowa and Lufuka all located in Masajja and Bunamwaya divisions. According to relief Agencies, over 500 households were affected by the floods of 26th May 2019.
The development was revealed by Minister of State for Kampala Capital City Authority, Benny Namugwanya while presenting a statement on the state of flooding in Kampala City and its suburbs before parliament this afternoon.
According to Minister Namugwanya, key flood prone areas include: Ntinda Industrial Area, Kyambogo, Banda Moil Petrol Station, Banda Petrol, Nabweru road next to Kawempe division, Lumas Road Kanyanya and Kawaala.
She told the house that flooding in some parts of Kampala and its suburbs is caused by blockage of drainage channels by encroachers who put up structures along the channels thereby redirecting water.
“The major causes of flooding in Kampala are, Illegal developments and encroachments on drainage reserves, Filling of wetlands and low-lying areas of flood plains with soil, Poor solid waste management practices by communities and Inadequate drainage infrastructure” the minister said.
Hon. Namugwanya told legislators that a new Kampala Drainage Master Plan was completed in Dec 2017. It entails details of all flow construction in the Kampala drainage system. The master plan recommends structural measures such as construction of new drains and crossings.
However, Kampala district MP, Hon. Nabilah Naggayi Sempala proposed that KCCA involves local leaders to address management of floods in Kampala and its suburbs.
Bunyole West county MP, Hon James Waluswaka asked UPDF to bring down structures along drainage channels causing flooding. He suggests that KCCA and NEMA officials who approve plans for such structures should be charged.