By Our Reporter,
KAMPALA
A stormy Kampala Capital City Authority council meeting held on Wednesday has revived urgent calls to phase out all open drainage systems in the city. City leaders say the open drains are worsening sanitation issues and contributing to the frequent flooding in Kampala.
The meeting, attended by division mayors, technical officers, and councillors, turned into a passionate debate over the reckless disposal of waste by city residents and businesses. Councillors described the dumping of plastics and garbage into open drains as both criminal and unpatriotic.
One councillor didn’t mince words, saying, “Open drainages are no longer tenable in a modern city like Kampala. They are open invitations to disease, flooding, and urban degradation.”
KCCA engineers echoed the concerns, pointing to rapid urbanisation and poor public sensitisation as key contributors to the drainage crisis. They warned that during heavy rains, waste clogs the drains, leading to flash floods and even loss of life.
In response, council members proposed a gradual shift to closed drainage systems, ones that are safer, more hygienic, and harder to block. They also called on the private sector to step in and support infrastructure upgrades under KCCA’s guidance.
Meanwhile, the council took a moment to honour former acting Executive Director Frank Rusa for his outstanding leadership. Rusa was praised for steering the Authority through tough times and for overseeing major flood control works in Nakivubo that reduced flooding in the area during the March rains.
As part of its new action plan, KCCA says it will now intensify crackdowns on illegal dumping and work closely with environmental agencies to boost community awareness.
