Speaker Among Halts Probe into Nakivubo Channel Redevelopment

Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has halted COSASE’s investigation into tycoon Hamis Kiggundu’s Nakivubo Channel redevelopment, redirecting the probe to a select team under the Physical Infrastructure Committee — a move that has sparked fierce resistance from Kampala leaders.

COSASE was today scheduled to grill city businessman Hamis Kiggundu, aka Ham, over the controversial redevelopment of the Nakivubo Channel.

COSASE Chairperson Medard Lubega Sseggona told members on Tuesday that he had received a letter from the Speaker directing the committee to step aside, citing the establishment of a separate select team under the Physical Infrastructure Committee to conduct a fact-finding mission on the matter.

The decision was announced in the middle of a meeting where Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) officials, including Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Executive Director Sharifah Buzeki, had appeared to explain the project.

Proceedings were immediately suspended following the directive.

Among has appointed a five-member select team, comprising MPs Daniel Kimosho, Muhammad Nsegumire, David Kabanda, Peter Mugema and Ibanda Rwemulikya, to investigate the matter and report back to the House.

The Speaker’s move, however, triggered heated debate among committee members, with some questioning whether due procedure had been followed in constituting the select team.

Lord Mayor Lukwago strongly opposed the intervention, describing it as a “choreographed move” to shield Kiggundu.

“This is a clear attempt to protect the interests of the tycoon and undermine the authority of KCCA. We will not let this matter rest,” he said.

KCCA Speaker Zahara Luyirika also dismissed reports that the KCCA council had passed a resolution granting Kiggundu control of the channel.

“Such claims are politically motivated and baseless,” she said.

The Speaker’s intervention shifts the inquiry from COSASE to the Physical Infrastructure Committee, with the select team’s findings expected to shape the next steps in the contentious redevelopment saga.