01/11/2025
*Nakivubo Channel: Floods and Forgotten Voices*
Every rain, downtown Kampala floods. Roads, shops, and homes near the Nakivubo Channel are underwater. What was meant to be an “upgrade” by HAM Enterprises has blocked the natural flow of water, leaving traders and residents —especially the omuntu wa wansi—to bear the losses. Lives, livelihoods, and property are at risk, yet the authorities remain silent.
There is a peaceful way to fight back: vacate unsafe buildings near the channel and warn potential tenants against moving in. This protects lives, but it also hits the landlords where it matters—their income. Many property owners here are wealthy investors who profit from rent while ignoring the risk to those below. Empty buildings mean lost income, and financial loss is harder to ignore than complaints alone.
This is economic resistance. When profits are threatened, landlords and developers will demand solutions. The same group that benefited from unsafe development could become the strongest voice for change.
The Nakivubo floods are not natural disasters—they are human-made failures rooted in greed and neglect. Ordinary citizens can turn the tide by letting economic realities speak louder than ignored complaints. Only when the wealthy and powerful feel the cost of inaction will Kampala become safer, fairer, and better for everyone.
