MICHAEL N
Overwater flooding in Ntungamo Municipality has raised serious concern among residents and business owners, who are now calling for urgent intervention to improve the drainage system in the town.
Located in a low-lying area, the municipality experiences severe flooding whenever it rains, with most shops along Town Center Road submerged. The situation has caused damage to goods and property, leaving traders counting losses after every downpour.
Justus Byamugisha, a mechanic and bicycle spare parts dealer, expressed dissatisfaction with the drainage system in the municipality, explaining that during rains, trenches and bridges fill up quickly, diverting water into shops—particularly those near the NRM offices.
Kazibaya Isa, a shop owner in the Ntungamo Taxi Park and also an independent mayoral aspirant, said traders are tired of repeatedly requesting authorities to address the issue. He noted that each time it rains, hotels and shops within the taxi park are flooded because the existing trenches are too narrow to handle the large volumes of water.
Another business owner, Katende Kwayihu, criticized the municipality’s building plan, saying it fails to consider drainage despite the town’s position in a low-lying area. He appealed to the central government and stakeholders to intervene, warning that the business community continues to suffer financial losses whenever it rains.
Byamugisha further appealed to the municipal leadership to take swift action, saying the business community has endured losses for the past three years due to the persistent flooding problem.
When contacted for a comment, Ntungamo Municipality Mayor Jacob Kafureeka, also known as Jack Jex, attributed the frequent flooding to residents who dump rubbish in trenches, blocking water flow and causing it to spill into nearby businesses.
Kafureeka added that the municipality lacks sufficient funds to construct larger trenches and drainage pipes. However, he urged residents to remain calm and patient, revealing that the municipality has already coordinated with the Ministry of Lands to improve the drainage system across the town. He also disclosed that the Ministry of Works and Transport plans to enlarge town roads and construct pedestrian walkways.
