know your hood : kiwatule

Land in Kiwatule is quite expensive since it is a popular residential area not far from the Central Business District of Kampala, and yet, close to the Northern by-pass that easily connects motorists who want to drive out of town.

Kiwatule is a township within the city of Kampala, Uganda’s capital. The name Kiwatule came to existence because of the massive killings that took place way back.
Mr George William Ssembozi, 45, the LC 1 chairman of Balituma Zone, Kiwaatule says, “It was a dangerous place back in the day. People used to die in large numbers. They were killed by thieves and robbers. People referred to the place as okuwatula abantu, literally meaning, killing of people. Later on they developed the name to Kiwatule.”

Location
Kiwatule is bordered by Najjera to the north, Naalya to the east, Banda to the south, Ntinda to the southwest, Kigoowa to the west and Kulambiro to the northwest.
Kiwatule is mainly a middle class residential neighbourhood with growing commercial outfits. The Kampala Northern Bypass passes through it, from Naalya towards Kulambiro and Kigoowa. It is divided into four zones, Balituma, Central, Sebowa, and Kazinga.

Developments
People were few before but the population has risen of late and it is still growing. It is a place that has grown from a slum into a well-established area. Ssembozi says, new residents have greatly developed the place. Though the roads are still narrow due to poor planning in the past, at least the main roads have been tarmacked though the small roads that lead to the villages have not yet been developed.
“The place lacks a market and yet we have cried so much to the local government to help us construct one, but still shops, and mini supermarkets have emerged. We have no hospitals but we have at least tried to construct small clinics which have greatly helped us with health problems,” Ssembozi says. He is, however, thankful because the area now has a police station which seems to have come with some security.

Security
Mr Sepilia Sekajja, the defence secretary says, “Our security has developed with time. Way back houses were broken into, and hit-men and car vandalisers were on rampage and other thieves were rampant.
Luckily, we acquired a police station which has helped us to capture criminals who really threatened the residents. Hit-men were also many along the Northern By-pass. They hid around there and killed a number of people, but today, police has deployed around the place securing many lives. At least patrols have been seen in the area at night prompting the thieves to run away to places like Najjera,” he says.

Social places and features
The most widely known social place that attracts people from even different suburbs is the famous Kiwatule Recreation Centre owned by politician Mr Bidandi Ssali, the father of musician Bebe Cool. Other places include Sunset Apartment Complex - a condominium and apartment development by National Housing and Construction Company among others.
Fredrick Kiniga a broker in the area says land is quite expensive since it is now a popular area. On the whole though, this is a suburb that is growing.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com