On 12th September 2025, Nakivubo Channel looks very different from what many Kampala residents remember. The drainage corridor, once clogged with garbage and stagnant water, is now wider, cleaner, and better structured.
A Cleaner and Wider Drainage System
Walking along the stretches near the central business district, the changes are clear. The embankments have been reinforced. Several sections of the drainage have been widened. Water flows more freely than before. The concrete lining gives the channel an organized appearance. Regular clearance has also reduced the piles of waste that once made it an eyesore.
Reduced Flooding in Kampala
For many city dwellers, this transformation is striking. Floods that used to disrupt businesses and traffic during the rainy season are now less intense in areas where improvements are complete. Motorists and pedestrians are noticing the difference. The channel is no longer just a clogged drain. Instead, it is becoming part of Kampala’s urban renewal effort.
Oversight and Monitoring
This progress has not gone unnoticed. Recently, a team of Members of Parliament inspected the works. They confirmed that the channel has been widened from about 6 metres to 12 metres, which doubles its capacity to handle storm water (New Vision).
Challenges remain. Waste dumping still affects water flow. Environmental compliance and permits are under review by agencies like Kampala Capital City Authority and NEMA. Despite this, progress is steady.
A Symbol of Urban Resilience
The look of Nakivubo Channel today is not only about improved drainage. It also signals resilience. Kampala is gradually reshaping its infrastructure to meet modern challenges. From a neglected waterway to a structured corridor, the channel is becoming a symbol of determination and renewal.
At Smeaton Constructions, we continue to observe and share these updates. We believe infrastructure development is key to building a safer, more modern city.
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