Kampala, Uganda | Parliament’s oversight of the controversial redevelopment of the Nakivubo Channel by business magnate Hamis Kiggundu was abruptly derailed when Speaker Anita Among intervened and blocked the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) from continuing its investigation. She instead appointed a five-member “fact-finding” team under the Committee on Physical Infrastructure, triggering fierce criticism that the move is a calculated manoeuvre to shield vested interests.
The probe arose after concerns were raised by MP Gerald Nanguli about the legal and procedural basis for Kiggundu’s redevelopment contract approved by President Yoweri Museveni on August 2, 2025 to develop commercial structures over the drainage channel.
At a session of COSASE, the chairperson, MP Medard Lubega Sseggona, announced that the committee would suspend its investigation in deference to the Speaker’s directive. He stated, “As a Committee of Parliament, we shall not proceed with a matter that is before another committee of Parliament.”
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago strongly condemned the decision. “This is a clear attempt to protect the interests of the tycoon and undermine the authority of KCCA,” he said, adding the move appeared choreographed. He accused the Speaker and others of deliberately frustrating investigations into the “Ham scam”.
Parliament’s Director of Communication, Chris Obore, defended Among’s action, arguing that the Speaker has the constitutional power to establish a fact-finding team and that COSASE should wait for the process to run its course.
Critics, however, argue that the Speaker’s intervention subverts COSASE’s legally-mandated oversight role under Rule 166(c) of Parliament’s rules of procedure. MP Yusuf Nsibambi highlighted that the term “fact-finding team” is not recognised under the rules and that the proper process was bypassed.
The controversy has serious implications. The Nakivubo Channel is a key drainage pathway for Kampala and has been linked with major flooding events. Traders report that the redevelopment works by Kiggundu’s company may have diverted storm water, causing financial losses and exacerbating flood risk after heavy rainfall submerged parts of downtown Kampala in late October. Over 300 traders have reported losses.
As the five-member team prepares its oversight visit and 14-day reporting window, Ugandans and oversight bodies are closely watching to see whether accountability will follow or whether institutional checks will be further undermined.