What Happened Today & What It Means for Kampala’s Urban Development
Kampala, Uganda — December 4, 2025:
Today, the High Court in Kampala adjourned the much-anticipated hearing on the Nakivubo drainage construction dispute to December 11, 2025. The hearing was scheduled for today. However, proceedings could not start because key respondents did not file their responses in time.
This postponement has sparked strong reactions from traders, city residents, engineers, and urban planning advocates. The case centers around concerns that recent construction work along the Nakivubo drainage channel may have worsened flooding in nearby areas. This is a concern with serious implications for businesses and local communities.
⚖️ What Happened at Court Today
At the High Court — Civil Division — judges were prepared to hear arguments from traders who filed a lawsuit against government officials and private parties involved in the drainage upgrade. However, the hearing was postponed to December 11, 2025 because the respondents, including city authorities and environmental agencies, had not yet submitted their formal legal responses.
As a result, the Court Registrar advised all parties to prepare their documents and reconvene next week for the full hearing.
📌 Why This Case Matters
The Nakivubo drainage channel is a major stormwater conduit that runs through Kampala and helps prevent flooding during heavy rains. Changes to this drainage system can greatly impact water flow, especially in low-lying parts of the city.
Traders and local residents allege that modifications to the drainage channel have worsened flooding episodes, damaging goods, shops, and infrastructure. These claims have drawn widespread public attention.
Today’s postponement means more time is needed to review technical documents, environmental assessments, and engineering plans linked to the project.
🗣 Voices from the Ground
Many traders who attended the session expressed frustration today, calling for a fair and thorough hearing next week. They argue that repeated flooding has harmed their livelihoods and that clarifying the impact of the drainage construction is urgent.
Meanwhile, public interest groups and urban planners emphasize the need for sound engineering and environmental safeguards in major infrastructure projects.
🏙 Impact on City Planning and Construction
The delay underscores how critical it is for city authorities, developers, and engineers to deliver transparent and technically validated plans. This is especially true for projects that affect public infrastructure like drainage systems.
As plans continue and legal review proceeds, many stakeholders are watching closely. They want to see how changes in drainage design may influence future construction standards and climate resilience in Kampala.
This hearing is about more than one drainage channel. It speaks to how Uganda manages urban growth and environmental balance in a time of rapid development.
❤️ Give Hope – Supporting Vulnerable Families in Flood-Prone Areas
At Smeaton Constructions, we understand how devastating flooding and poor infrastructure can be for children and families.
That’s why beyond building houses and contributing to Uganda’s growth, we support the Give Hope Initiative. It helps vulnerable and homeless children find safe shelter and stability.
⭐ Give Hope – Help Us Build Safe Homes for Vulnerable Children
Together, we can ensure every child has a secure place to live, even in challenging environments.
📌 In Summary – Today’s Key Points
✔ The Nakivubo drainage construction hearing scheduled for today was postponed.
✔ The new hearing date is December 11, 2025.
✔ Respondents did not file responses in time.
✔ Traders and residents are pushing for clarity and accountability.
✔ The case highlights how critical good infrastructure planning is to urban safety.
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