Torrential rains on March 26, 2025, triggered devastating floods in Kampala, submerging roads, sweeping away cars, and paralyzing the newly commissioned Kampala Flyover.
At least 7 lives were lost as floodwaters ravaged low-lying areas like Banda, Kyambogo, and Kinawataka, where blocked drainage systems turned streets into raging rivers.
The disaster has reignited debates over Kampala’s crumbling infrastructure and poor urban planning. Environmental activists blame wetland encroachment and clogged drains for worsening floods, while the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) urged motorists to avoid submerged routes. The crisis underscores Uganda’s urgent need for climate-resilient infrastructure as extreme weather becomes more frequent.
A Warning Sign Amid EACOP’s Shadow
The floods arrive as Uganda prepares for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), a controversial project threatening biodiversity, water sources, and local communities. Environmentalists warn that EACOP-linked deforestation and land degradation could exacerbate flooding by disrupting natural water absorption.
With #ClimateActionNow trending, critics argue that Uganda must prioritize sustainable urban planning and wetland restoration over risky fossil fuel projects. As climate chaos batters the nation, the question remains: Will leaders invest in resilience or deepen the crisis?
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