KAMPALA, Uganda — Toyota Kaguta, brother of President Yoweri Museveni, has called for the demolition of Forest Mall, arguing that its construction has worsened Kampala’s persistent flooding.
Kaguta accused NEMA and KCCA of approving building projects in wetlands, blocking natural drainage channels, and causing widespread flooding in the city.
“It is not true that the NRM government is responsible for the floods in Kampala,” Kaguta said. “The real culprits are KCCA, which approves building plans in wetlands, and NEMA, which issues licenses for construction where water is supposed to pass.”
Forest Mall in the Spotlight
Kaguta singled out Forest Mall in Lugogo as an example of large-scale developments encroaching on drainage pathways.
“When you look at buildings like Forest Mall, you feel ashamed. It stands as proof that big people are allowed to block water channels while the poor are victimized,” he said.
He also accused NEMA of selective law enforcement, claiming the agency demolishes properties belonging to ordinary citizens while sparing structures owned by powerful individuals.
“NEMA demolishes the properties of poor people and leaves out the so-called big people who are the real problem,” Kaguta added.
A Call for Action
Kaguta urged the government to take immediate action and demolish all buildings illegally constructed on wetlands, starting with Forest Mall.
If authorities fail to act, he encouraged Ugandans to take matters into their own hands.
“I appeal to Ugandans to spearhead the demolition of these buildings if the responsible government entities fail to act. I don’t like things that make the government look bad in the eyes of the people,” he emphasized.
Growing Public Debate
Kaguta’s remarks have sparked fresh debate on the role of government agencies in city planning and environmental protection.
Kampala’s flooding problem has worsened over the years, with experts warning that poor drainage infrastructure and unchecked construction in wetlands are major contributing factors.
The question remains: Will the government heed Kaguta’s call and take action against powerful developers, or will Kampala’s flooding crisis continue unchecked?
