GKMA DRAINAGE MASTER PLAN: DATA COLLECTION TO BEGIN AS LEADERS CALL FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Data collection for the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) Drainage Master Plan is set to begin tomorrow, with local government leaders urged to actively support the exercise by guiding consultants to identified flooding hotspots, existing drainage infrastructure and other vulnerable areas.

The development follows an introductory meeting held at the district headquarters, where consultants from Sering Ingegneria engaged district and lower local government leaders to outline the project and seek their cooperation ahead of the field exercise.

Sering Ingegneria was contracted by the Government of Uganda through Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to develop a comprehensive drainage master plan for the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, which continues to face flooding challenges arising from blocked drainage channels, inadequate infrastructure and unplanned urban development.

Speaking at the meeting, Drainage Engineer Owino Moses emphasised the importance of involving local leaders, noting that their knowledge of communities would be instrumental in guiding the data collection teams.

He explained that teams comprising engineers and social workers would work closely with local leaders to identify existing culverts, drainage structures, natural and artificial streams, as well as flood-prone areas. The findings will inform the master plan and guide future drainage investments, road infrastructure development and physical planning across the metropolitan area.

The leaders welcomed the initiative but called for timely communication about the areas to be visited to ensure smooth community engagement. They also requested access to the collected data for future reference and urged the consultants to work closely with local physical planners to align the master plan with existing local physical development plans.

Bussi Sub-County Chief, Lawrence Ssenoga, appealed for special consideration for hard-to-reach island communities in Bussi, citing the area’s difficult terrain and accessibility challenges, which often limit participation in government programmes.

Closing the meeting, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Achilles Kiwanuka pledged the district’s support and called upon political and technical leaders to cooperate with the consultants throughout the exercise.

He noted that an effective drainage master plan is essential to reducing flooding, protecting property, improving infrastructure and safeguarding livelihoods across Wakiso District and the wider Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area.

The data collection exercise is expected to run for nine days, beginning 10th November 2026.