DF demands apology from NUP leaders over Nakivubo channel tragedy

6 November 2025, 9:09 pm

By Richard Musaazi

The Democratic Front Party has asked the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, Joel Basekezi Ssenyonyi, together with the Secretary General of the National Unity Platform (NUP), David Lewis Rubongoya, to come out quickly and apologize to the people of Kampala and Ugandans at large, for remaining silent on the issue of the Nakivubo Channel, which has turned into a death trap.

While addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Namirembe, Kampala, the party spokesperson, who is also contesting for the position of Mayor of Lubaga Division, Kasibante Moses, said it is unfortunate that the city leaders have remained completely silent about what is happening in Kampala. He said that the Leader of the Opposition, Joel Basekezi Ssenyonyi, has always distanced himself from the Nakivubo Channel issue, and even though the NUP Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, received an official document concerning the matter, he ignored it. Yet, this is something he should have handled seriously, since his party has many councillors in the KCCA council.

Kasibante now wants the two leaders to apologize to Ugandans for their negligence, as people’s lives and property continue to be destroyed. He added that Parliament, which is currently in recess, should use this time to return and discuss this issue, which has become a national concern.

The party chairman, Samuel Walter Lubega Mukaaku, said that there should be people held accountable for this matter and that some should even be investigated. If necessary, those who have failed in their duties should be removed from their positions, because they have become incompetent.

Last week, heavy rains caused severe flooding in Kampala, leaving city residents stranded. The flooding originated from the ongoing construction at the Nakivubo Channel, where water overflowed into traders’ shops, damaging a lot of property and even causing some deaths.