Kawempe leaders appeal for government intervention on drainage amid climate change concerns

15 February 2026, 1:28 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The Government of Uganda, working with partners such as the World Bank, has continued to renovate and reconstruct drainage channels across the country as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and manage the growing impact of climate change.

It is against this background that local leaders from various parts of the country have been calling on government to extend the crucial service to their areas. In Kawempe Division, Kampala, the area Vice Chairman, Sekanyo Suleiman, has joined other leaders in urging government to urgently work on a long-neglected drainage channel in his jurisdiction.

Sekanyo made the appeal yesterday while addressing members of the press at his office in Kampala. He noted that climate change is occurring at an alarming rate and communities must prepare to overcome its effects.

“I want to thank and appreciate our government for the renovations and reconstructions of various roads and drainage channels in the country. By doing so, the government is doing a very commendable job which cannot go unnoticed,” he said. “We however request, through the Ministry of Works and Transport led by Hon. Katumba Wamala, to also look into our situation. This drainage channel in Kawempe Division has taken many years without reasonable renovations.”

He expressed hope that if government intervenes, it will help address the health challenges residents are facing. According to Sekanyo, stagnant water in the open drainage channel has created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, leading to increased cases of malaria and other waterborne diseases.

“My people have been complaining about that drainage channel in Kawempe Division. It is so open and there are so many mosquitoes. These people do not have money to keep treating their loved ones for diseases that can be prevented by government action,” he added.

Sekanyo explained that while the community is willing to contribute towards improving the drainage system, the procedures involved are complex and beyond their capacity. He appealed to government to come to their rescue, emphasizing that renovating the drainage channel would significantly improve public health and save lives.

Recently, the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Water and Environment released the weather forecast for the month of February, advising the public to prepare for changing weather conditions. The ministry encouraged citizens to utilize rainfall wisely while remaining alert to the unpredictable effects of climate change, some of which are difficult to prevent.

Local leaders in Kawempe believe that addressing poor drainage infrastructure will be a key step in strengthening community resilience against such climate-related challenges.