Several parts of Kampala have experienced severe flooding following days of continuous heavy rainfall, leaving residents stranded, disrupting transport networks, and causing damage to property and businesses.
Areas known for poor drainage were among the hardest hit as roads became impassable and water entered homes and commercial buildings. Motorists faced long delays while some public transport services were temporarily suspended due to unsafe road conditions.
Environmental experts say the increasing frequency of extreme weather events is consistent with climate change trends observed across East Africa. Rising global temperatures are believed to contribute to more intense rainfall events, increasing the risk of flooding in urban areas.
Local authorities have urged residents to avoid flooded roads and drainage channels, warning that fast-moving water can pose serious risks to life and property. Emergency response teams have been deployed to assist affected communities and monitor vulnerable areas.
City officials emphasized the need for improved drainage systems, better waste management practices, and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations. Blocked drainage channels caused by improper waste disposal continue to be a major contributor to urban flooding.
Environmental advocates are also calling for the protection of wetlands, which play a critical role in absorbing excess rainwater and reducing flood risks. They argue that continued encroachment on wetlands increases the vulnerability of communities during periods of heavy rainfall.
Climate scientists warn that unless significant measures are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate adaptation strategies, cities across the region could face increasingly severe weather-related challenges in the coming years.
Residents have been encouraged to stay informed through official weather updates and to take necessary precautions during periods of intense rainfall.
As recovery efforts continue, the flooding serves as a reminder of the growing need for climate resilience and sustainable urban planning in Uganda's rapidly expanding capita