Museveni opens NRM delegates’ conference as KCCA halts Nakivubo project

25 August 2025, 7:02 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), officially opened the party’s Delegates’ Conference today at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala. Addressing delegates from across the country, Museveni called on NRM members to take the lead in combating corruption, particularly at the local government level, and to ensure that public services reach the grassroots.

The conference, which will run until Thursday this week, is being organised by the NRM Electoral Commission. Party elections are scheduled to take place through a lining-up voting system, except for the workers’ category.

While addressing the Special Interest Groups (SIGs) within the party, Museveni reflected on Uganda’s economic progress since 1986, when the country’s economy was valued at $3.9 billion. He noted that it has now grown to $66 billion and shared an ambitious vision of reaching high middle-income status with an economy worth $500 billion. The president outlined five key phases of Uganda’s economic journey: minimum recovery, expansion of production, diversification, value addition, and the current phase — the knowledge economy. He highlighted technological advances such as locally produced Kira electric buses, vaccine development, and computer manufacturing as indicators of progress.

Meanwhile, at City Hall, tensions flared during a special Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) council sitting concerning the controversial development activities on the Nakivubo channel. The works are being undertaken by city businessman Hamis Kiggundu through his company, Ham Enterprises.

Speaker of the Authority, Zahra Luyirika, who presided over the session, firmly stated that KCCA has not approved any construction or redevelopment on the Nakivubo channel. “As the authority, we have never given anyone permission to develop the Nakivubo channel. We want to inform the general public that we know nothing about the ongoing works. As council has decided, we appeal to Ham Enterprises to halt the process until further notice,” she said. She also dismissed claims that the authority had received funds from Kiggundu, calling such reports false.

All councillors who spoke during the session unanimously opposed the ongoing developments. Nalubega Bitaano, a councillor from Makindye Sabagabo, emphasised that the council would not allow political opponents to tarnish their reputations. Rubaga North councillor Mubiru James added that if any councillor is alleged to have received money from Kiggundu, credible evidence should be presented to the public rather than smearing names without proof.

Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who was also present at the session, urged councillors to take legal action against Kiggundu, accusing him of undermining public infrastructure and exacerbating the city’s drainage problems.

The developments around the Nakivubo channel remain a contentious issue, with growing calls for regulatory intervention and transparency.