Kampala businessman, Hamis Kiggundu has said he is ready to work with KCCA to improve infrastructure in the city, especially around Nakivubo Stadium.
There has been an impasse between the businessman and KCCA over construction on top Nakivubo channel.
The businessman was erecting structures on top of the channel which raised the dust, especially by environmentalists.
Whereas the businessman said he had got approval from KCCA, the latter said the approval had expired.
However, on Tuesday afternoon, the two parties met and agreed on the way forward.
On Wednesday, KCCA officials led by the acting Executive Director, Frank Rusa together with the businessman carried out a locus visit to the contested area.
Speaking during their meeting, Kiggundu said since he is not above the law, he is ready to work with authorities to help in improving Kampala’s infrastructure.
“Owing to the report by the CAF inspection team of Nakivubo Stadium, we were advised to improve the drainage system around the stadium. Specifically, we were asked to have the channel covered for health and sanitation purposes. This is what we were doing,” Kiggundu said.
A team of KCCA technical wing led by acting ED Frank Rusa inspecting Nakivubo together with businessman, Hamis Kiggundu
He however noted that they had reached a consensus with KCCA to halt the ongoing construction and await guidance from the technical personnel on how to proceed with the construction works.
“We have halted construction and we are awaiting guidance from the technical personnel at KCCA. The CAF inspection team gave us targets to be achieved for the stadium to be fully approved and we hope with guidance from KCCA, we can pull it off in time.”
On the recent floods in St. Balikuddembe market which were blamed on the construction atop the channel, the businessman said the flood didn’t only affect the market but also the stadium, noting that he is going to work with KCCA to see how to solve the problem holistically.
“Even if KCCA is constrained by a low budget, I am ready to contribute something to ensure the work of construction of the drainage channels is done in time and for the benefit of the city and its dwellers.”
Buries hatchet with Catholic church
During the tour of the contested area on Wednesday, the businessman said he had buried the hatchet with the Catholic Church, especially after being accused of blocking their way to the historic church at St. Balikkuddembe market.
He said he would allow churchgoers access to the facility.
“It is prudent for us to stop and wait for guidance of the KCCA technical team which we will gladly do,” he said.
Acting KCCA Executive Director, Frank Rusa said, “Dr.Ham has agreed with the leadership of the church to put a motorable way which should give parishioners of the church to continue enjoying their freedom of worship in that place. That is an important position and I am happy the Catholic church has been able to reach some form of agreement with Dr.Ham.”
