The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) have been urged to urgently address a dangerous drainage channel along Salama Road in Dubai Zone, Makindye Division, before heavy rains put the lives of hundreds of residents at risk.
The concern comes amid warnings of increased rainfall, with some parts of the country, including Kampala, considered vulnerable to flooding.
Residents living around the drainage channel say it has remained in poor condition for several years, raising fears that heavy rainfall could cause flooding and potentially sweep away homes and people living nearby.
The drainage channel, according to residents, has become extremely deep, with some sections estimated to be about seven metres deep, while several houses are located dangerously close to it.
Steven Ariong, raising concern over the situation, said authorities should prioritise preventive measures instead of waiting for a disaster to occur before responding.
“I would like to ask the Office of the Prime Minister and Kampala Capital City Authority to prioritise repairing this drainage channel before we are forced to use excavators to recover bodies of people who may be swept away,” Ariong said.
He warned that the situation could become particularly dangerous if the city experiences prolonged or unusually heavy rainfall.
“As we are fighting against corruption in offices, there is also physical neglect that can be seen in Dubai Zone along Salama Road in Makindye Division,” he said.
According to residents, the drainage channel has gone for years without major repairs, despite KCCA officials frequently passing through the area.
Ariong questioned why authorities have not taken action to address the deteriorating drainage system before it causes loss of lives and property.
“Prevention is better than cure. KCCA and the Office of the Prime Minister should run and repair that drainage system before disaster strikes,” he said.
He further urged authorities to assess the homes located close to the drainage channel and establish measures to protect residents who may be at risk during heavy rainfall.
The situation highlights the importance of maintaining Kampala’s drainage infrastructure as the city continues to face recurring flooding challenges.
Residents are now calling on the relevant authorities to inspect the drainage channel, remove accumulated waste and debris, strengthen vulnerable sections and undertake necessary repairs before the onset of potentially heavy rains.
The appeal is simple: authorities should act before lives are lost, rather than waiting for a disaster before responding.
