**Kampala, Uganda — High Court to Hear Public Interest Case on Nakivubo Drainage Channel Development**
The High Court Civil Division has set November 19, 2025, as the date to hear a crucial public interest case challenging the ongoing development of the Nakivubo Drainage Channel. The case, filed by two Ugandan lawyers, targets President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, businessman Hamis Kiggundu, the Attorney General, and several government bodies, accusing them of greenlighting the project without conducting the mandatory environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA).
The lawsuit, lodged on September 22, 2025, by advocates Kazinda Naari and Oola Samuel from F. Aogon and Company Advocates, centers on the alleged environmental risks associated with Kiggundu’s development works along the Nakivubo drainage system. The petitioners argue that the lack of a proper ESIA approval exposes Kampala to serious ecological threats, including severe flooding, soil erosion, waterborne diseases, and the destruction of critical wetlands.
The Nakivubo Drainage Channel, a key watercourse in Kampala, is crucial for managing stormwater runoff and preventing flooding in the city. The petitioners claim that any disruption or unregulated development along the channel could cause long-term environmental degradation and adversely affect the lives of thousands of city residents.
**Environmental and Legal Concerns**
In their petition, Naari and Oola contend that the failure to conduct an ESIA before approving the development violates both Uganda’s environmental laws and the country’s constitutional commitment to environmental protection. They also accuse the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) of unlawfully handing over control of the drainage channel to Kiggundu without consulting NEMA (National Environmental Management Authority), a move that the petitioners say disregards critical environmental oversight mechanisms.
In addition to halting Kiggundu’s ongoing construction works, the petitioners have requested the court to cancel the President’s directives permitting the development and mandate NEMA to carry out a comprehensive environmental audit. The audit would assess both the immediate and long-term environmental impacts of the project and determine if any remedial action is needed.
**The Broader Implications**
This case is expected to spark a broader debate about the balance between urban development and environmental sustainability in Uganda, especially as Kampala faces increasing pressure from rapid urbanization and climate change. The outcome could set a significant legal precedent regarding the enforcement of environmental laws and the protection of Uganda’s natural resources against unchecked development.
The legal team representing the petitioners has emphasized that their case is not just about halting a single development project but also about ensuring that Uganda adheres to its constitutional duty to protect the environment for current and future generations.
As the hearing date approaches, all eyes will be on the High Court to see how it addresses these critical environmental and legal issues, with far-reaching implications for urban planning and environmental justice in the country.
