The recent floods in Kampala have once again exposed the vulnerability of the capital city’s infrastructure and governance.
The distressing photos, videos and news circulating on mainstream and social media platforms clearly tell a story of devastation. All this got me thinking about so many things that got me restless till I noted this down.
While some dismiss these issues thinking they are light and funny, the reality is so troubling. How can a young nation, governed by the same clique of leaders for nearly four decades, continue struggling to organise our own capital city.
We have lost lives in floods right in the heart of Kampala! May their souls rest in peace. Still, properties including vehicles, houses, livestock have been destroyed yet Ugandans can not do much at the moment to change the status quo. And worse, nothing seems to be ending anytime soon.
First, it was the Kiteezi garbage crisis, now, the recurring floods. All these disasters painfully highlight a completely broken system.
Many times, NEMA has evicted the poor people from wetlands claiming ecological protection, yet just month later the public saw witnessed factories and businesses emerge in the same places.
It’s absurd! Our laws are working effectively against the poor while the rich continue thriving. Oh! Uganda!
Now, even individuals who claim politics does not concern them are equally affected. Floods are not just natural disasters; they simply reflect governance failure.
Just like the stagnated water in our streets, our leadership remains stuck. Forsure, the executive, legislature and judiciary are clogged with inefficiency, corruption and unable to progress.
The capital, Kampala, has leadership, a local government, KCCA, and a minister, yet the state of the city remains deeply troubling. Many look on helplessly as governance failures persist.
Notably, those responsible for past tragedies, such as the Kiteezi disaster, remain free despite the loss of lives, further highlighting a lack of accountability.
This is a call to young people: the consequences of poor leadership will shape both our present and future.
Those in power today once fought for their own future, they did not sit back in silence. If we fail to take a stand now, we will bear the shame of inaction before our children. Bad governance, compounded by climate change, is a growing threat. The time to act is now.
Nattabi Margaret
Female Youth Councillor, Mukono Municipality.
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