Heavy rains on Tuesday morning left several roads in Kampala submerged, bringing business to a halt and paralyzing movement in some areas.
However, while some infrastructure, like the Kampala Flyover drainage structures, performed efficiently, large parts of the city experienced severe flooding.
According to a Ministry of Works and Transport official, the biggest challenge lies not in the capacity of the drainage systems but in the reckless habits of the people.
Allan Ssempebwa from the Ministry of Works and Transport attributed the flooding to poor garbage disposal habits that have led to clogged drainage channels.
The official emphasized that even the most advanced drainage systems would be ineffective if the public continues to dispose of waste irresponsibly.
A City Brought to a Standstill
Tuesday’s floods saw major roads, including Jinja Road, Kalerwe, Bwaise, and Clock Tower Junction, rendered impassable.
Vehicles stalled, and pedestrians waded through knee-high water.
Businesses in affected areas struggled to cope as water gushed into shops and offices, damaging merchandise and property.
One trader in Kalerwe, John Kato, lamented the repeated destruction of his goods whenever heavy rains hit.
“We have reported this issue many times. Every rainy season, we lose millions because our goods get soaked in floodwater. But it seems no one is serious about fixing the drainage,” Kato said.
However, the ministry official countered such claims, arguing that the responsibility is shared.
The official pointed out that drains are often blocked with plastics, bottles, and other waste, highlighting the need for personal responsibility in waste disposal.
The Bigger Problem: Garbage and Encroachment
Experts have long warned that improper waste management is a major contributor to Kampala’s flooding problem.
The city generates thousands of tons of garbage daily, but much of it does not end up in designated dumping sites.
Instead, plastics and other non-biodegradable waste find their way into water channels, blocking the free flow of rainwater.
Apart from waste disposal, another major factor leading to the flooding is the encroachment on wetlands and drainage channels.
Several settlements and commercial developments have sprung up in areas that were originally meant to serve as natural water catchment zones.
What Needs to Change?
The ministry official urged residents to take personal responsibility and work with authorities to address the crisis.
The Ministry official stressed that flooding is not just a government problem but a societal issue, requiring proper waste disposal from every citizen.
The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has on several occasions called upon the public to be more conscious about waste management.
A Call for Tougher Enforcement
In response to the persistent problem, city authorities are considering tougher measures against individuals and businesses that violate waste disposal regulations.
The KCCA has previously issued fines for littering, but enforcement has been weak.
Environmental activists have also suggested banning certain single-use plastics that frequently clog drainage systems.
Some have called for the establishment of a garbage collection policy that includes household penalties for improper waste disposal.
Looking Ahead
As Uganda continues to urbanize, flooding in Kampala remains a major concern.
The heavy rains that hit the city are expected to continue in the coming weeks, raising fears of more disruptions and potential health risks from stagnant floodwater.
While the government works on improving infrastructure, officials insist that the ultimate solution lies in the hands of the residents.
For now, residents are urged to take responsibility by properly disposing of their waste and avoiding encroachment on drainage channels.
Whether these appeals will translate into action remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—until Kampala changes its habits, the flooding crisis will persist.
