Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has launched a fierce attack on corruption, illegal construction, and decades of poor urban planning in Kampala, blaming these failures for the persistent flooding crisis affecting the capital city.
His emotionally charged remarks have sparked widespread debate across the country, with many citizens describing them as some of his strongest comments yet on governance and accountability.
In a fiery statement, Gen. Muhoozi accused corrupt individuals of deliberately failing to establish proper drainage systems in Kampala for more than four decades while also allowing the destruction of wetlands that naturally protected the city from flooding. “You allow thieves to never build drainage systems in Kampala for 40 years, then you allow them to build in God’s natural drainage system…the wetlands! Why wouldn’t Kampala flood?” he declared.
The outspoken general went even further, warning that anyone stealing resources meant for Kampala’s development would face severe consequences. “From now on stealing from Kampala will be equivalent to stealing from Jesus Christ! They will pay,” he stated, using powerful religious language to emphasize the seriousness of the issue.
His remarks come after repeated flooding incidents in different parts of Kampala, where heavy rains have left roads submerged, businesses destroyed, homes damaged, and traffic paralyzed. Residents have long complained that poor drainage infrastructure and unchecked wetland encroachment continue to worsen the city’s vulnerability during rainy seasons.
For decades, urban planners and environmental experts have warned that Kampala’s wetlands serve as natural drainage channels capable of absorbing excess water and protecting the city from severe flooding. However, many of these wetlands have gradually been occupied by factories, residential buildings, shopping centers, and other developments.
Gen. Muhoozi’s comments reflect growing frustration over what many citizens view as systematic negligence and corruption in urban management. Critics have repeatedly accused some officials of approving illegal construction projects in protected wetland areas in exchange for personal gain.
The destruction of wetlands has become one of the most controversial environmental issues in Kampala’s urban expansion. Environmental activists argue that continued encroachment has weakened the city’s ability to naturally manage stormwater, leaving communities increasingly exposed to devastating floods.
Citizens reacting to the statement expressed anger over years of failed planning and poor enforcement of environmental laws. Many said Kampala’s flooding problem is no longer simply a natural disaster but the result of greed, corruption, and irresponsible leadership.
Some residents pointed out that every rainy season brings nearly identical scenes of flooded roads, stranded commuters, damaged businesses, and disrupted transport systems. For them, Gen. Muhoozi’s remarks captured the frustration felt by ordinary people who endure the consequences of failed infrastructure policies.
The statement also intensified discussions surrounding accountability for public funds allocated to drainage and urban development projects over the years. Many Ugandans continue to question how billions of shillings have reportedly been spent while drainage systems in several parts of the city remain inadequate or nonexistent.
Environmental experts have consistently emphasized that restoring wetlands and investing in modern drainage infrastructure are essential if Kampala is to overcome its flooding crisis. Without serious intervention, they warn that climate change and rapid urbanization could make future flooding even worse.
Gen. Muhoozi’s reference to “God’s natural drainage system” resonated strongly with many religious and environmental groups, who argued that wetland destruction represents both an environmental and moral failure. Some leaders described wetlands as vital ecosystems that should never have been sacrificed for private profit.
Supporters of Gen. Muhoozi praised his tough language, saying leaders must openly confront those responsible for undermining Kampala’s development. According to many citizens, corruption linked to land grabbing and illegal construction has been allowed to thrive for far too long.
At the same time, some commentators cautioned that solving Kampala’s flooding crisis will require more than strong statements. They argue that authorities must implement strict enforcement measures, demolish illegal structures in wetlands, and invest heavily in proper drainage systems.
Urban development analysts note that Kampala’s rapid population growth has placed enormous pressure on infrastructure and environmental resources. In many areas, construction has expanded faster than proper planning, creating drainage bottlenecks and increasing flood risks.
The remarks also come amid broader anti-corruption messaging from Gen. Muhoozi, who has recently issued repeated warnings against misuse of public funds and poor service delivery. His latest comments appear to reinforce an image of zero tolerance toward negligence affecting ordinary citizens.
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions following the statement, with users sharing videos and photographs of flooded neighborhoods, blocked drainage channels, and destroyed wetlands across Kampala. Many demanded immediate action rather than continued political promises.
Business owners operating in flood-prone areas also voiced frustration, saying repeated flooding causes major financial losses, damages property, and discourages investment in the city. Some argued that Kampala’s economic growth will remain limited unless the drainage crisis is permanently addressed.
Despite differing opinions on his rhetoric, Gen. Muhoozi’s comments have undeniably intensified national conversations about corruption, environmental destruction, and urban planning failures. The statement has placed renewed pressure on authorities to demonstrate visible progress in tackling flooding and protecting wetlands.
By linking corruption in Kampala to both moral and national betrayal, Gen. Muhoozi has delivered one of his most emotionally charged messages yet.
His warning that those stealing from the city “will pay” has become a rallying cry for citizens demanding accountability, stronger environmental protection, and urgent reforms to save Kampala from decades of neglect and recurring disaster.
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