At least five people, including two young children, have died following severe floods that struck Kampala on Tuesday March 26th, after heavy morning rains overwhelmed the city’s fragile drainage systems. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and authorities fear the death toll may rise.
Tragedy Strikes Kampala After Torrential Rains
Heavy rainfall early Wednesday morning triggered flash floods across Kampala, claiming five lives and leaving a trail of destruction.
Among the victims were three-year-old Eliza Otim Kisa and 11-month-old Ochon Ochaka, who drowned in their home in Mulimira Zone, Bukoto. Their mother, Rose Mary Lenunu, was arrested for alleged negligence.
Three unidentified bodies were also recovered from Kinawataka, with all the victims transported to the City Mortuary at Mulago for postmortem examinations.
The Police Fire Prevention and Rescue Services, alongside the Uganda Red Cross, remain on high alert as recovery efforts continue.
City Paralyzed by Flooding
The floods hit major areas, including Queen’s Way flyover, the Northern Bypass, and the Kampala-Jinja road near Kyambogo University.
Widespread traffic disruptions followed, with submerged cars and impassable roads reported in Bukoto, Bwaise, Kalerwe, and Kyebando.
“Motorists should avoid flooded areas like Banda, Kyambogo, and Kinawataka,” said Michael Kananura, spokesperson for the Directorate of Traffic and Road Safety.
Despite advisories, parts of the Northern Bypass remained submerged, worsening the traffic crisis.
Community in Shock
The tragedy has sparked outrage and grief on social media. An X post from a user named Green Tea captured the mood:
“Bukoto is a disaster zone. Water everywhere, and now we hear kids have died. This shouldn’t be happening.”
Irene Nakasiita, Director of Communications and Partnerships at the Uganda Red Cross Society, confirmed the deaths and described the devastation: “Entire homes have been flooded, and people have lost everything.”
Poor Infrastructure to Blame
Urban experts have long warned that Kampala’s vulnerability to flooding stems from poor drainage systems, encroachment on wetlands, and haphazard urban planning.
Clogged culverts and construction on flood plains have left the city defenseless against heavy rains.
“The city needs urgent investment in drainage infrastructure,” said a KCCA official. “This isn’t just about weather — it’s about decades of neglect.”
Authorities Urge Precaution
Residents are advised to stay indoors during heavy rains and follow updates from official channels like WhatsApp and Telegram. Traffic officials have warned motorists to avoid low-lying areas and exercise caution.
With Kampala’s rainy season underway, experts are calling for immediate government action to address the root causes of the city’s flooding crisis — before the next downpour brings more tragedy.
