PM Nabbanja orders NEMA, KCCA to follow presidential directive on Ham’s Nakivubo project

• Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja confirmed receiving a presidential directive to support Ham Kiggundu’s Nakivubo channel development.
• She criticized KCCA and NEMA for resisting the project, urging them to comply with the President’s instructions.
• Public opinion remains divided, with supporters citing urban development and critics questioning Ham’s past track record.

The Rt. Hon Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has publicly dismissed the political factions within KCCA that are attempting to impede local businessman and entrepreneur Ham Kiggundu from advancing his project on the Nakivubo channel. There has been a surge of differing opinions following a presidential letter, which was shared with the Prime Minister and other pertinent authorities, instructing them to support Ham’s endeavors in this area.

Nabbanja confirmed that she did receive the letter and, despite being out of the country at the time, began taking action as soon as she returned to Uganda.

She compared Ham’s vision to those seen in countries like Japan, China, and Italy, stating that such nations have successfully constructed buildings over their drainage systems.

She commended Ham for his efforts to develop the area and asserted that he should not be denied the chance to facilitate further progress. When asked if NEMA and KCCA had endorsed Ham’s plans, she asserted that a presidential directive is definitive and that the relevant authorities are expected to comply.

Additionally, the Kakumiro District Woman MP alleged that some individuals within KCCA were the ones who presented Ham’s plans to him. She also stated that KCCA has never communicated any critical decisions to her via writing and challenged them to provide any documented evidence.

It is indeed accurate that the President addressed me regarding this issue, and I’m implementing it. People need to understand that in nations like Italy, Japan, or China, drainage channels are not exposed. There are structures above them, making Ham’s initiative a commendable one, and he has consistently demonstrated his capability since he has developed that area.

Moreover, I learned that his plan was crafted by some intelligent young individuals in KCCA. Given the President’s instructions, KCCA and NEMA are obligated to implement and execute it. KCCA should also refrain from asserting that we disregard their input. As far as I am concerned, they have never corresponded with me, and if they claim otherwise, they should produce proof.

The debate surrounding Ham’s project has polarized public opinion, with some advocating for his progress due to the area being a significant contributor to flooding in the city. It is also a source of disease, unpleasant odors, and detracts from the city’s aesthetic.

On the other hand, critics contend that the tycoon lacks the necessary capacity to develop the areas according to the proposed plan. They point to his previous shortcomings in the refurbishment of the Nakivubo Stadium, where he allegedly failed to adhere to the required specifications.

There are also lingering questions about why he bypassed the appropriate channels to obtain a contract, relying instead on a presidential override of KCCA’s authority. Meanwhile, KCCA recently prohibited Ham from undertaking any further work until this issue is resolved.