The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has suspended construction activities on a section of the Nakivubo Channel, one of the city’s main drainage systems, pending the final approval of submitted development plans.

In a statement released this week, the Authority confirmed that the project developer had duly submitted plans which are now undergoing a comprehensive technical review.

“KCCA acknowledges receipt of the construction plan for the development of a section of Nakivubo Channel. The plan is undergoing thorough technical review, and no permanent construction will proceed until approvals are concluded,” the Authority said.

While halting construction, KCCA clarified that essential maintenance activities will continue to ensure uninterrupted water flow.

“In the meantime, activities such as cleaning, unblocking, and removal of silt and debris will continue to ensure the channel remains functional and to prevent flooding risks,” the statement read.

The Authority also noted that hoarding around the site will be maintained as a precautionary measure.

“We have maintained hoarding at the site as a public protection measure, pending the conclusion of the technical evaluation and subsequent approval of the plans,” KCCA emphasized.

KCCA revealed that it has assigned a dedicated technical team to guide and oversee the process. The team will ensure that all works conform to the city’s drainage master plan and environmental safeguards.

The Nakivubo Channel, which stretches from Makerere and Kisenyi through the central business district to Nakivubo swamp, is Kampala’s largest stormwater drainage system. It plays a critical role in protecting downtown Kampala from flooding, particularly during heavy rains.

Over the years, however, the channel has faced multiple challenges, including encroachment, illegal construction, dumping of waste, and silting. These have contributed to frequent urban flooding in areas such as Clock Tower, Nakivubo Place and Kisenyi.

The temporary halt comes against a backdrop of growing public concern about construction along drainage reserves in Kampala. Residents and environmental activists have repeatedly warned that tampering with the Nakivubo Channel could worsen flooding and compromise public health.

KCCA has not specified how long the review process will take, but officials insist that the final decision will be guided strictly by technical and environmental considerations.

“Our priority remains ensuring that drainage works are done in line with approved standards to protect the city and its people,” KCCA said, reiterating its commitment to transparency and public safety.

Observers note that the outcome of this review could set a precedent for how the city handles future developments on environmentally sensitive infrastructure.

Stories Continues after ad

Today, Equity Bank Uganda continued its Tupange Business Ne Nation-wide series in Arua, still under the same theme: “Financing Integrated Value Chains and SME Growth.” The event brought together small and medium business owners, community leaders, and partners to discuss opportunities for growth and the role of value chain financing in building stronger businesses.

Welcoming participants, Charles Orodriyo, the Branch Manager of Equity Bank Arua, said the initiative reflects Equity’s vision of transforming lives and societies. He encouraged entrepreneurs to embrace change and pursue growth both in business and as individuals.

“At Equity Bank, we want to transform lives and communities. I encourage entrepreneurs in Arua to embrace change and grow both in their businesses and in their personal lives,” said Orodriyo.

Delivering the executive address on behalf of the Executive Director, Robert Wanok, Head of Retail Banking, emphasized the bank’s Pan-African vision through the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan. He explained that Equity Bank is built on a three-pillar model of commercial banking, social impact through the Equity Foundation, and sustainability. He highlighted agriculture, mining, manufacturing, trade and MSMEs as key sectors for Uganda’s growth, stressing that the bank remains committed to empowering SMEs with digital and credit solutions that support business growth across regional trade corridors.

Peter Ssemakalu, Regional Manager Business Growth and Development, shared a Northern Uganda saying that “a goat can feed a family, but only if it does not eat your crops.” He likened this to SMEs, noting that with the right guidance and financial support, businesses can generate value, profit and jobs.

The keynote speaker, Draecabo Trinity Ceasar, Chairperson of the Ayivu Development Agency, called on SMEs to build strong relationships with banks. Using a simple illustration, he said that just as children were taught to read their Bible daily if they wanted to grow, SMEs must engage with their bankers regularly to ensure growth. He urged business owners to pay attention to detail, cooperate with others, manage resources carefully, commit to learning, and find the right partners for long-term success.

A panel discussion shed light on the challenges faced by SMEs in the region. Many still sell raw produce without value addition, leading to low returns. Informality and poor record-keeping also limit access to finance, while weak market linkages mean that local producers often miss out on opportunities despite the presence of a large local market, including the refugee population. To address these challenges, speakers encouraged value chain integration, financial literacy, and partnerships that create stronger business networks.

Equity Bank also showcased financial solutions designed for SMEs. These included Easy Stock Financing for retailers and distributors, Grain Trader Financing for aggregators, Easy Float Financing for mobile money agents, Asset and Vehicle Financing for businesses needing equipment, and unsecured credit for contractors and suppliers with valid contracts or purchase orders.

The forum concluded with the SME Awards 2025, where outstanding clients in the Greater North were recognized. Madi West-Nile Diocese received the SME Business Influencer Award, Cress Africa Foundation Limited won the SME Customer Loyalty Award, and Kuluva Hospital was honored with the SME Ecosystem Customer Award.

Through Tupange Business Ne Equity, Equity Bank reaffirmed its commitment to walking alongside SMEs, supporting their growth and strengthening Uganda’s economy.

Stories Continues after ad

Top officials from the Finance ministry have met the Local Development Partners Group, members of the private sector, representatives of the civil society, and the academia to consult on the Budget Strategy for financial year [FY] 2026/2027.

The Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury [PSST], Ramathan Ggoobi, who chaired the meeting yesterday, said the successful formulation and implementation of the Budget Strategy for FY 2026/27 requires robust collaboration not only within government, but with all stakeholders.

“Your insights, evidence-based policy, and alignment with our strategic priorities are critical to ensuring that every shilling spent delivers meaningful impact,” said Ggoobi.

Ggoobi said the role of partners in shaping public policy, promoting accountability, and advancing inclusive development through research, community engagement, implementation support and advocacy are critical to ensuring that the budget reflects the aspirations and needs of all Ugandans.

The PSST said the overarching objective of full monetisation of the economy by transitioning 33 percent of the households in subsistence to the money economy remains a key priority of the government.

He said this will be undertaken by, unlocking the key binding constraints to sectoral growth in agro-industrialisation, tourism, minerals, and science, technology, and innovation so as to strengthen the resilience and productivity of our economy.

FY 2026/27 will be the second year of implementation of the Fourth National Development Plan [NDP IV], the last plan to deliver on Agenda 2030 of Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] and first plan to implement the Ten-fold Growth Strategy.

Ggoobi also highlighted other priorities such as enhancing domestic revenue mobilisation through improved tax administration and broadening the tax base; fiscal consolidation interventions such as expenditure efficiency and fiscal discipline, value for money and results-based budgeting.

He said focus will also be in areas of: Strategic Public Investment in key enablers of the economy including infrastructure like; roads, railways, energy, water for irrigation, and human capital; strengthening public financial management systems, in line with the Public Finance Management Act Cap 171 and the Charter of Fiscal Responsibility, and deepening policy and goal consensus by promoting full integration and coherence across sectors and levels of government during planning, budgeting and implementation.

The Local Development Partners Group in a statement delivered by the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Leonard Zulu reaffirmed their partnership in sustaining and accelerating development outcomes in Uganda.

“We commit to supporting the Government of Uganda in its endeavors to use resources effectively and efficiently,” said the development partners in their joint statement. The development partners said they were ready to support Uganda in realising its domestic revenue mobilisation aspirations- including private sector investment and broadening the tax base.

Their proposed priorities for FY 2026/27 include: Human capital development, youth employment, inclusive, equitable and green growth, governance and accountability as well as debt sustainability and fiscal resilience. The private sector players in their statement called upon government to prioritise the ATMS and their entire value chains as well as the enablers.

The Executive Director of Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group [CSBAG], Julius Mukunda called for consolidation of gains, especially in e-governance services/automation, improving the capacity of votes to absorb funds, and enforcement of national service delivery standards.

Stories Continues after ad

In the bustling city of Mbale, Uganda, the TUPANGE Business Ne Equity Bank event brought together entrepreneurs, dreamers, and innovators under the warm glow of a shared vision: to unlock the potential of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Speaker after speaker – which included Claver Serumaga (Executive Director, Commercial – Equity Bank), Ms. Olivia Mugaba (Head of SME, Equity Bank), Mr. Saleh Naminya (Managing Director of Casa Uganda Safaris & Lodges), Mr. Odoki Richard (Lecturer at Uganda Martyrs University), and Mr. Natalisile James (MTA) – shared hard-earned wisdom told through experiences of resilience, collaboration, and innovation. The TUPANGE Business Ne Equity Bank event in Mbale focused on unlocking business growth through value chain financing, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships, with a particular emphasis on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). These are the eight transformative lessons that lit a spark in the hearts of Mbale’s business community.

1. Scaling Up Businesses: The speakers emphasized the importance of scaling businesses through financial and technical support. SMEs need to grow beyond stagnant operations by accessing tailored financial products and expertise to manage challenges like human resources, compliance with URA and NSSF regulations and operational efficiency. Scaling requires the right personnel and technical support to ensure sustainability.
2. Value Chain Financing: The discussion highlighted the critical role of value chain financing in enabling SMEs to meet large contracts and sustain operations. By financing the entire supply chain—from input suppliers to distributors—businesses can reduce risks, manage cash flow, and seize opportunities. Examples included stock financing and credit lines accessible via mobile phones, allowing businesses to pay suppliers promptly and maintain trust.
3. Digital Transformation and Accessibility: Speakers stressed the need for SMEs to adopt digital tools, such as point-of-sale machines and mobile banking, to cater to international customers and streamline operations. Digitalization enables businesses to track performance, make payments, and access markets efficiently. The speakers noted that modern businesses must move beyond outdated methods to remain competitive.
4. Partnerships and Ecosystem Collaboration: The discussion underscored the importance of building partnerships within and across sectors (e.g., tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing). Collaborating with suppliers, distributors, and financial institutions creates a robust ecosystem that supports growth. For instance, tourism businesses benefit from reliable transport and quality produce, which require strong value chain linkages.
5. Tax Compliance and Government Benefits: Compliance with tax regulations and formal registration were highlighted as essential for SMEs to access government incentives and exemptions. Various speakers referenced the need to understand tax policies and maintain proper accounting to benefit from opportunities in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and health.
6. Knowledge and Financial Literacy: The event emphasized that knowledge is power for entrepreneurs. SMEs need to seek financial literacy training and consult experts to navigate policies, avoid common pitfalls like hiring unqualified relatives, and making informed decisions. Equity Bank Uganda was praised for offering not just financing but also business advisory services.
7. Sustainability and Market Access: The discussion addressed Uganda’s high SME failure rate (53%) due to inadequate working capital and market access. Innovative financing solutions, such as invoice financing and tailored credit lines, were presented as ways to address these gaps. Speakers also highlighted the importance of accessing international markets, such as through trade fairs, to grow businesses.
8. Case Studies and Practical Solutions: Real local examples included a business supported by Equity Bank Uganda that grew from a Shs20 million to a Shs100 million credit line through consistent performance and partnerships with anchor clients like Coca-Cola. Such success stories demonstrated how value chain financing and trust-based relationships can drive SME growth.

Overall, the event encouraged SMEs to embrace digital tools, comply with regulations, build strategic partnerships, and leverage tailored financial solutions to overcome growth barriers and thrive in a competitive environment. The engagements, enriched by various contributions from several speakers, inspired attendees to pursue sustainable growth through collaboration and innovation.

The next TUPANGE Business Ne Equity event takes place in Arua on Thursday, August 21, 2025.

Stories Continues after ad