Speaker Among hails king Oyo at 30th coronation as Nakivubo channel renovation stirs dispute

12 September 2025, 6:10 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Annet Anita Among, on Friday represented President Yoweri Museveni as chief guest during celebrations marking 30 years of King Oyo Nyimba’s reign in Tooro Kingdom, even as debates over the controversial renovation of the Nakivubo channel dominated political discussions in Kampala.

Addressing subjects at the anniversary, the Speaker congratulated King Oyo for his three decades on the throne, thanking God for sustaining him since the death of his father at a tender age. She delivered the President’s message of goodwill, quoting Romans 13:1 to emphasize that all authority comes from God.

Among also praised the Queen Mother for her courage and vision, saying her guidance had nurtured the King into a strong leader. She paid tribute to President Museveni for working with the Queen Mother and other elders to support the monarch’s journey. On behalf of the 11th Parliament, she pledged continued collaboration with traditional institutions through legislation and resource allocation.

King Oyo, in his remarks, thanked government for its support and urged his subjects to embrace state programs for development.

Meanwhile, in Kampala, aspiring legislator Kushaba Susan lashed out at businessman Hamis Kiggundu over his ongoing works at the Nakivubo channel, accusing him of sidelining Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). She warned that the developer’s actions could affect city residents and called on government to intervene.

Her criticism follows an inquiry by a parliamentary committee into the project. Kiggundu, however, defended himself, saying he received approval from President Museveni after CAF recommended additional pathways around Nakivubo Stadium. He argued that government processes were slow, prompting his decision to fast-track the works.

The dispute has drawn sharp reactions from KCCA leaders, including Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and councillors, who maintain that no resolution was ever passed to authorize Kiggundu’s takeover of the channel.