KAMPALA, UGANDA — A devastating flood triggered by heavy rainfall in Kampala has resulted in the deaths of at least six people, including two minors, and left hundreds of travelers stranded on impassable roads.
The torrential downpour, which began in the early hours of Wednesday, submerged numerous roads leading to the city center.
Sections of the Kampala-Jinja highway at Kyambogo, Kinawataka (Katogo), and parts of the Northern Bypass were particularly affected, with vehicles becoming submerged. Â
Irene Nakasita, spokesperson for the Uganda Red Cross (URC), confirmed the deaths of two minors, identified as Otim Kisa Eliza (3 years old) and Ochaka Chon (11 months old), who were found deceased in their flooded home.
A 35-year-old man was also recovered from the floodwaters in the Mulimira zone along the Northern Bypass.
“Their mother Rose Mary Lenunu left them in a room at night, and by the time the rain started, she hadn’t returned home. Our response team was called to support the community. Many houses are flooded and household property destroyed. Assessment team is still on ground, working with the local leaders and the Police,” Nakasita stated. Â
Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Police Spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan, confirmed that police retrieved three additional, unidentified bodies from flooding channels in Kinawataka.
Isaac Kakooza, local council secretary of Nsoba zone in Kyebando parish, Kawempe Division, reported severe flooding in areas surrounding the Northern Bypass, including Nsoba, Kyamuka, Mulimira, and Kalerwe.
“The flooding on the Northern Bypass is attributed to the clogged drainage channel of Nsoba, which runs from Mulimira to Kalerwe. The culverts are silted with soil, particularly at the Kalerwe roundabout, hindering water flow. This is the primary cause of flooding in our area,” Kakooza explained.
He further attributed the exacerbated flooding to the ongoing construction of the Kyebando ring road, which has diverted water flow, flooding into homes already impacted by silted drainage.
Residents expressed outrage at the persistent flooding and the perceived inaction of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
David Ssemakadde, a resident of Nsoba, lamented the recurring loss of life during rainy seasons. Jane Nansubuga, from Mukwaya zone, described the situation in Bwaise as a “recurring disaster,” where properties are destroyed each time the Lubigi channel overflows. “This is our life,” she lamented.
“Heavy rains bring destruction, and we keep hoping for authorities’ assurances, which never come. We are often stranded at night when floodwaters from the Lubigi channel invade our homes.”
Other residents criticized KCCA for failing to clean and expand drainage channels, which they believe could have mitigated the flooding.
In addition to Bwaise and Kalerwe, other Kampala suburbs, including Kasubi, Katanga, Kisenyi, Nalukolongo, Kabuusu, Katwe, Namungoona, and Kinawataka, were heavily affected.
Flood-prone areas in the city include Queen’s Way, Ssebaana Kizito Road, Kabuusu junction, Jinja Road roundabout, and Kyambogo-Banda, among others.
Previous floods have resulted in numerous fatalities.
