Kampala is once again submerged in floodwaters after an intense morning downpour turned the city’s streets into rivers. Major roads were left impassable, businesses were disrupted, and residents were left wading through knee-deep water. Motorists and pedestrians alike struggled to navigate the chaotic scene, with the Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA) warning that this could be just the beginning of a prolonged rainy season.
Low-lying areas like Bwaise, Kalerwe, and Nakawa have been hardest hit, with homes submerged and residents forced to evacuate. Business owners in downtown Kampala watched helplessly as floodwaters seeped into their shops, destroying goods and equipment.
At least six lives have already been lost, including two minors in Bukoto’s Mulimira Zone, where flash floods caught residents off guard. Authorities have urged caution, but for many, the damage has already been done. – 6 killed in Kampala floods, The Independent UG
More Rains Expected: Authorities Issue Warning
UNMA has forecasted continuous heavy rainfall throughout March, April, and May, warning residents in flood-prone areas to prepare for more extreme weather. Officials have advised people to avoid staying in low-lying areas and take necessary precautions to safeguard their homes and businesses. The Ministry of Water and Environment has also raised concerns about potential health risks, including a rise in waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid due to contaminated floodwaters.
Despite these warnings, many Kampala residents have little choice but to endure the hardships, it’s not like they can just jump ship and shift after all. The city’s drainage system remains inadequate, and efforts to clear blocked channels have proven ineffective. In areas like Busega and Natete, even the slightest rain turns roads into muddy streams, further complicating the situation.
And while government agencies discuss long-term solutions, the real question and worry is to the omuntu wa wansi—the ordinary Ugandan—who survives on a daily income. For many street vendors, boda boda riders, and small business owners, missing even a day’s work due to flooding means going to bed hungry.
The economy is already strained, and now, on top of high living costs and inflation, people must also battle unpredictable weather. Some shop owners have resorted to reinforcing their doors with sandbags, while others have moved their merchandise to higher shelves in hopes of minimizing losses.
Meanwhile, ordinary Ugandans are left praying that the next storm won’t wash away their homes, businesses, and means of survival.
Oh God, protect us.
