By Our Team
Kampala businessman haji Hamis Kiggundu (Ham) together with the Attorney General and NEMA have been jointly dragged to court over the current development on Nakivubo channel.
The two lawyers namely Naafi Kazinda and Samuel Oola, have filed a public interest lawsuit against the four parties.
The petitioners claim that Kiggundu’s development of the channel without an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) poses significant environmental and health risks to the surrounding community.
They argue that President Museveni’s directive to allow Kiggundu to develop the channel was unconstitutional and undermined statutory procedures.
KEY DEMANDS
– *Permanent Injunction*: The lawyers are seeking a permanent injunction to stop further construction on the Nakivubo Channel.
– *Cancellation of Presidential Directive*: They want the court to cancel President Museveni’s directive approving the project.
– *Environmental Audit*: The petitioners are also seeking an order for NEMA to conduct a comprehensive environmental audit of the disputed developments.
– *Damages and Restoration*: Additionally, they want Kiggundu to pay damages and restore the Nakivubo drainage channel to its original state.
THE BACK GROUND
The controversy surrounding the Nakivubo Channel project has sparked debate, with some supporting the development as a potential solution to flooding and crime in the area.
However, others, including Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, have raised concerns about the project’s legality and potential environmental impact. Lukwago has petitioned Parliament to intervene and protect public property.
COURT ACTION
The lawsuit highlights the petitioners’ commitment to upholding environmental protection laws and ensuring that development projects are carried out responsibly.
The case will determine whether Kiggundu’s projects can proceed without proper environmental assessments and approvals
WHAT’S HaPPENING ON GROUND?
By last night the developments on the contested Nakivubo channel was going on in a very speedy way.
Workers, engineers and other technical people were steadily constructing the channel as they covered ithe open river flow,.
Power full machinery had been employed on the ground and some structures are starting to take shape.
Do you want to share a story, comment or opinion regarding this story or others, Email us at newsdayuganda@gmail.com Tel/WhatsApp........0726054858