By Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has condemned ongoing renovation and construction works around the Nakivubo channel by businessman Hamis Kiggundu, saying the activities are illegal and must be halted immediately.
Lukwago said neither the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) nor the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) had granted clearance for the projects, yet they are being carried out on public land and property of national significance.
Addressing the press in Kampala on Monday, the Lord Mayor revealed that his office has petitioned the Inspector General of Government (IGG) to invoke constitutional powers to stop what he described as “grabbing and illegal developments” around the Nakivubo corridor.
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“The Constitution and the IGG Act give sweeping, overarching powers to the IG to take remedial action. We have therefore asked the IGG to issue an order of demolition and removal of these illegal structures,” Lukwago said.
He added that his office had also written to the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, urging him to raise the matter on the floor of the House as one of urgent national importance.
“This is not just about Kampala; it is about protecting public property for which we, as custodians, have a duty. The Nakivubo corridor and the surrounding land are of monumental value, yet they are being handed out casually,” Lukwago said.
He accused Kiggundu, widely known as Ham, of acquiring prime public property around Nakivubo without proper payment or due process, including land near historical monuments such as St. Balikuddembe (Owino) Market and St. Balikuddembe Cathedral.
“There is no free land in Kampala. You cannot just wake up, grab it, and start building as if you are a law unto yourself. Ham never paid for the stadium land, yet he is taking over monuments and public assets in that area,” the Lord Mayor charged.
Lukwago called on both KCCA and NEMA to immediately halt the works until all legal procedures and approvals are followed. He warned that failure to act would set a dangerous precedent of impunity in the management of public resources in the city.
The dispute comes as businessman Kiggundu continues his controversial redevelopment of Nakivubo Stadium and adjacent properties, a project that has faced repeated criticism over transparency, land allocation, and environmental concerns.
