NUP Councillors Defend Zahara Luyirika, Dismiss Nakivubo Saga as Baseless Propaganda

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) councillors under the National Unity Platform (NUP) have come out strongly to dismiss allegations that they approved the alleged giveaway of the Nakivubo drainage channel for redevelopment by businessman Hamis Kiggundu.

Led by Speaker Zahara Luyirika, the NUP councillors described the claims as baseless propaganda being pushed by political opportunists ahead of the 2026 elections.

They stressed that under the KCCA Act, the council has no mandate to give away or transfer ownership of public infrastructure such as the Nakivubo channel.

“This is falsehood being circulated to damage NUP’s image in Kampala,” Luyirika said. “Our council has never debated or passed such a resolution. Those pointing fingers at us have no evidence, because none exists.”

The storm erupted after Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago alleged that Luyirika’s council had taken a position on the Nakivubo redevelopment. But NUP councillors argue that Lukwago is seeking political sympathy votes, especially with growing pressure from strong challengers like former Nakawa East MP Ronald Balimwezo.

Party insiders note that if any council resolution had indeed been passed, it would have reflected the voices of all councillors, including those from the ruling NRM who also sit on the authority.

“Why then is only NUP being singled out? It shows this is not about facts, but propaganda,” one councillor remarked.

Observers warn that such smear campaigns risk shifting the political focus away from service delivery, while weakening Kampala’s opposition vote.

For NUP, the message is clear, its councillors have no legal attachment to the alleged Nakivubo giveaway, and attempts to pin them to it are politically motivated. “The people of Kampala should not be deceived. We remain committed to protecting public assets and serving our voters,” Luyirika affirmed.