Pedestrians crossing the flooded Kampala–Wakiso road at Lubigi on Sunday were forced to pay up to Shs2,000 to be carried to drier ground as heavy rain disrupted transport, stranded commuters and affected businesses.
The rain, which began at about 3am, flooded the road, leaving people struggling to get across the waterlogged section. Some removed their shoes to wade through the water, while others slipped and lost personal belongings.
Local youths took advantage of the situation to earn money by carrying pedestrians across the flooded stretch, charging up to Shs2,000 per person.
The flooding disrupted movement along the busy Kampala–Wakiso route, with motorists forced to navigate the water as pedestrians searched for ways to reach the other side.
Traffic officers were deployed to guide motorists and pedestrians and warn road users about concealed manholes beneath the floodwater. The incident also resulted in minor accidents.
The flooding prompted Nansana Municipality MP Zambaali Bulasio Mukasa to call for a comprehensive drainage master plan for Lubigi and neighbouring communities.
Mukasa questioned the use of public funds allocated to Kampala’s drainage infrastructure since 2007, arguing that recurring floods raised concerns about the effectiveness of interventions.
He urged the government, district authorities and relevant ministries to develop a coordinated plan to address the drainage problem.
The latest flooding once again exposed the difficulties faced by residents and commuters when heavy rain inundates the Lubigi area, disrupting access to work, businesses and other daily activities.
