Kuleekana: The busy ‘island’ in Makindye

Due to the increasing population, the area has seen the growth and establishment of a number of businesses. Photos by Ismail Kezaala

What you need to know:

  • The area boarders a swamp and when it rains, there is flooding.
  • The crime rate in the area is high due to the increasing population and settlement.

When you hear the name “Kuleekana” you might think of a remote place far away from the capital city. However, this is not the case with Kuleekana which is located in Salaama, Makindye west Division, about 20 kilometres from the capital.

Background
Kuleekana in Luganda means shouting. Richard Ssemwogerere, the secretary to the local council of the area, says the name dates back to the 1980s. He says there was a native doctor who was reportedly an expert at treating people with mental illness and as a result, many flocked the village seeking his services.
Those with mental health issues would make noise as they made their way to the doctor forcing residents to name the place Kuleekana.

Recent developments
With the erection of private schools, both secondary and primary, residents are optimistic that education in the area is well taken care of. The road network has also been improved allowing residents easy access to the neighbouring areas of Salaama, Makindye and Munyonyo.

Business
With a population of more than 10,000 people, the area boasts of a big market base especially for petty businesses. However, the area has also seen the growth and establishment of a number of other businesses including hardware shops and supermarkets.

Land and housing
The rising population has made acquiring land in Kuleekana quite expensive.
According to Ssemwogerere, an acre of land goes for between Shs600m and Shs1b. A 50 by 100ft plot of land will cost between Shs100m and Shs250m with a land title.
Renting a single room in Kuleekana will cost you between Shs100,000 and Shs150,000. A four-bedroom house costs between Shs700,000 and Shs800,000.

Services
The construction of Kiludu Hospital has boosted the area’s health services. Residents can also access piped Water provided by the National water and Sewerage Corporation. For those without piped water, a 20-litre jerrycan goes for Shs200.
There is also a spring water source that supplies water though a bit far away from the area. The area is also connected to the national power grid and there is constant electricity supply.

Challenges
The area boarders a swamp and when it rains, there is flooding. This is caused by the over flow of water that collects in small trenches that have been neglected. However, Kampala Capital City Authority has worked on the smaller trenches that pour water into the big one.
Crime
The crime rate in the area is high due to the increasing population and settlement. The area also lacks a police station with the nearest one being in Salaama. However, the local council committee is sensitising citizens about the need for security as well as lobbying for a police post in the centre of Kuleekana.