“Ham Kiggundu Needs More Time , Ugandans Will Appreciate His Role” Makerere University ‘DPC’ Reveals,Pleads With Government To Compensate Traders

Makerere University Strike General, Baguma Amon Bagonza — popularly known as “DPC” — has urged Ugandans to exercise patience and understanding toward businessman Hamis Kiggundu, widely known as Ham, amid public criticism following the recent floods linked to the Nakivubo Channel.

Speaking during a public address in Kampala, Baguma defended Ham, saying it was unfair to blame him for the heavy flooding that recently hit parts of the city. He argued that the real problem lay with building owners in Kampala who ignored construction standards and drainage guidelines, rather than with Ham’s ongoing redevelopment of the Nakivubo area.

“Ham is not at fault for what happened. The floods were caused by building owners who never followed proper protocols and construction rules. He is doing a commendable job that will benefit all Ugandans in the long run,” Baguma said.

He praised Ham’s Nakivubo Stadium redevelopment project as a model of private-sector-driven development and urged the public to support rather than vilify him. Baguma emphasized that such investments not only beautify the city but also create employment opportunities and improve local infrastructure.

Baguma further appealed to the government to compensate traders who lost their property during the recent floods. Many small-scale business owners operating around downtown Kampala reportedly suffered severe losses after heavy rains submerged their shops and stalls.

“The government should step in to help traders who lost their goods and capital. These are hardworking citizens who deserve a second chance to rebuild their lives,” Baguma noted.

The recent flooding has renewed discussions around Kampala’s drainage system and urban planning, with experts calling for stricter enforcement of building regulations and better coordination between developers and the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).

At the same time, the government’s ongoing efforts to support small-scale entrepreneurs through the Parish Development Model (PDM) have come into focus. The PDM, launched to boost household incomes and promote local enterprise, continues to play a vital role in revitalizing small businesses across Kampala.

As of July 2025, official data indicates that approximately 3,900 beneficiaries have received PDM funds within the Kampala Central Division, commonly referred to as “Kampala downtown.” Across all 98 parishes in the city’s five divisions, a total of 28,245 households had accessed PDM financial support by July 19, 2025. The government targets to reach at least 29,300 households by the end of the same month.

Each beneficiary household typically receives about UGX 1 million as a revolving fund to invest in income-generating ventures. The initiative aims to empower urban and rural families to improve their livelihoods through small-scale business growth, modern agriculture, and savings cooperatives.

However, local leaders have expressed concern that some traders who lost property during the floods were also PDM beneficiaries — meaning they not only lost their personal capital but also the funds they had received from the government.

Baguma called for swift intervention to ensure these affected beneficiaries are supported to restart their businesses. “The government must protect its investment in the people. Those who lost their livelihoods due to the floods should be given another chance through additional funding or compensation,” he said.

As Kampala continues to grapple with challenges of urbanization, drainage management, and infrastructure development, Baguma’s remarks have reignited public debate over accountability, planning, and the balance between private investment and public welfare.