Floods in Kampala: A call for climate action

Kampala, the capital of Uganda, has been experiencing recurrent floods in recent years. The floods in Kampala have had a devastating impact on the city’s residents. Many people have lost their homes and businesses. The floods have also disrupted access to essential services such as healthcare and education.

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has made some progress in upgrading drainage channels in Kampala since its establishment in 2011, but the problem of flooding is still far from over. 

There are a number of factors that contribute to flooding in Kampala. One is the city’s rapid growth. Kampala’s population has more than doubled in the past two decades, which has strained the city’s drainage system.
Another factor is climate change. Climate change is leading to more extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall. This is making Kampala more vulnerable to flooding.

To address the problem, it is important to take a multi-sectoral approach. This means all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and communities, need to work together to develop and implement integrated flood risk management solutions.

The government needs to take urgent action to address the problem of flooding in Kampala. This includes investing in improving the city’s drainage system by clearing clogged drains and building new drainage channels. 

Developing early warning systems to alert people to impending floods is also important. This could involve using sensors to monitor rainfall levels and developing a system to send out text messages or radio alerts to people in flood-prone areas.

The government also needs to work with communities to develop adaptation strategies that will help people cope with the impacts of flooding. This could include measures such as raising the height of houses and businesses and planting more trees to absorb rainwater. The government can also conduct public education campaigns to raise awareness of the risks of flooding and how to stay safe.

Floods in Kampala are a wake-up call for climate action. Climate change is a real threat to our cities and our communities. We need to take action now to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Wetlands in Kampala should be conserved. Wetlands play an important role in flood risk management by absorbing rainwater and reducing runoff. They also provide a number of other benefits such as filtering water, improving air quality, and providing habitat for wildlife.
Unfortunately, many wetlands in Kampala have been drained under the guise of development.

Finally, every individual has a role to play in their communities in order to reduce the risks of flooding such as those mentioned above. It is also important to have a backup plan in case the measures do not work. This includes having a safe place to go and knowing how to shut off your utilities.

Floods in Kampala are a serious problem, but they can be addressed with the right action. However, by working together, it is possible to make the city more resilient to the impacts of flooding.

The author, Ms Brenda Mary Kemigisa works with African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV)