KAMPALA
Chaos erupted in downtown Kampala on Friday morning after security guards and bouncers reportedly attached to businessman Hamis Kiggundu, popularly known as Ham, allegedly assaulted traders who were protesting against the ongoing construction works around Nakivubo drainage channels.
The traders accused Kiggundu’s contraction project of blocking natural water channels, which they say caused heavy flooding that submerged several shops, destroying merchandise worth millions of shillings.
Eyewitnesses said the affected traders had locked their shops and staged a peaceful demonstration, demanding immediate action from both the businessman and government to stop the construction activities blamed for diverting floodwaters into business premises.
One trader, who sustained deep cuts on his right eye and lower lip, told journalists that Kiggundu’s bouncers accused him of leading the protest before attacking and robbing him of an unspecified amount of money and a mobile phone.
“We are expressing our dissatisfaction. Our merchandise has been destroyed. We pay a lot of taxes and he and other lands keep increasing rent every time,” the injured trader said, bleeding profusely.
Three people were confirmed dead in nearby Kisenyi I following heavy rains that pounded the city in the early morning. Residents say the heavy rains swept away while the trio was asleep. Six others reportedly drowned in Kisenyi II, though police said investigations were still ongoing.
Traders appealed to Kiggundu to review the project design and reopen natural drainage paths to prevent future disasters. They also called on the government to compensate those whose property was damaged.
The Kampala City Lord Mayor,Erias Lukwago has condemned the assaults, and called for concerted efforts to stop the construction project along Nakivubo drainage channel.
“How many lives and people’s property should be lost before the Nation gets back to its senses and bring this madness to a halt!!?” Lukwago challenged. “Collective wisdom calls for concerted efforts against this Impunity perpetrated by Hamis Kiggundu and his backers under the guise of development!”
By press time, police had been heavily deployed in the area to disperse angry traders and restore calm.
