How Kampala road flooding exposed delayed pothole repairs

Kampala, Uganda | URN | Traffic and business activity along Kampala Road were disrupted on Thursday morning after heavy rainfall flooded a pothole near Shell Capital, leaving motorists, pedestrians and passengers struggling to navigate the muddy section.

The pothole, which residents and road users say has remained unattended for nearly two weeks, was filled with muddy water after the morning downpour, making it difficult for passengers to access taxis and motorists to pass through.

Shell Capital is a major taxi offloading point for passengers travelling along the Gayaza, Bombo and Kira routes.

Several passengers were forced to wade through the muddy water to board taxis, with some worried about getting their clothes dirty.

Boda boda riders operating at Mabirizi Stage said the flooding is worsened by inadequate drainage in the area.

Sadat Kimera, a boda boda rider, said the area floods quickly whenever it rains and called on the Kampala Capital City Authority to urgently repair the pothole and address the drainage problem.

The riders said they have started collecting money among themselves to buy equipment to unblock drainage channels and improve the flow of stormwater.

Crispus Ndyabagye, another person working in the area, said flooding and mud have repeatedly disrupted businesses, including those operating in the nearby Mabirizi Building.

Ndyabagye said customers often hesitate to visit the building when the area is flooded and muddy, affecting businesses in the area.

The disruption raises questions about KCCA’s response to potholes and drainage problems in the city.

According to KCCA customer service standards, potholes are supposed to be repaired within 72 hours.However, road users in Kampala continue to report potholes that remain unattended for weeks, with the defects becoming more disruptive during heavy rainfall.

Efforts to obtain a response from the KCCA spokesperson were unsuccessful, as calls to the official went unanswered by the time of publication.

The flooding comes as KCCA undertakes road infrastructure works across the city, including plans to upgrade the Bombo Road corridor between Bwaise and Wandegeya.

In a recent interview with Uganda Radio Network, KCCA Director of Engineering and Technical Services Engineer Justus Akankwasa said the Bwaise-Wandegeya section of Bombo Road is planned for conversion into a dual carriageway.

Akankwasa said the contract had been awarded to Tecno 3 Contractors and that the project is intended to ease traffic congestion along the route.

But for road users and businesses, the immediate concern remains smaller road defects and blocked or inadequate drainage, which they say continue to disrupt movement and business whenever heavy rains fall.