KAMPALA
At least three street children have died following heavy morning downpours that caused severe flooding in Kisenyi I and II, a Kampala suburb.
The floods, which swept through several parts of the city, submerged homes and shops, destroying merchandises. Residents said the water levels rose rapidly after the drainage channels overflowed.
Mariam Nansamba, the Councillor for Kisenyi, said local leaders have repeatedly appealed to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the central government to desilt and expand the drainage channels, but no action has been taken.
In Kisenyi II, six other people were reportedly trapped in the floods before police and rescue teams were called in. It is feared that more lives may have been lost.
Traders operating in the Kisenyi Bus Terminal, Kikuubo and St. Balikuddembe Owino Market also suffered heavy losses after floodwaters entered their shops.
“The floods destroyed our merchandise. We are counting losses,” said Alex Kiweewa, one of the affected traders.
Some traders blamed the flooding on the ongoing redevelopment of Nakivubo Channel by businessman Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, accusing him of blocking natural water flow to construct buildings on top of the drainage path.
Issa Ssekito, the chairperson of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA), said the government has been repeatedly alerted to the flooding problem in downtown Kampala, but little has been done.
Responding to the tragedy, State Minister for Kampala Kabuye Kyofatogabye said the government is working tirelessly to restore normalcy and find a permanent solution to the city’s recurring floods.
“The ongoing reconstruction and redevelopment of Nakivubo Channel will help address the flooding challenge in Kampala,” Kyofatogabye said.
Police retrieved the bodies of the deceased and conveyed them to the City Mortuary at Mulago. Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the incident.
