The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, has urged the Minister of Kampala, Hajat Minsa Kabanda, to address the ongoing encroachment on the St. Balikudembe and St. Athanasius shrines at St. Balikudembe Market. The Archbishop revealed that the church land, initially allocated 83 decimals for religious purposes, has been reduced to just 37 decimals due to encroachment, affecting the development of the shrine.
He also highlighted the obstruction of access routes, including the construction of shops by businessman Hamis Kigundu on the Jugula drainage channel, further complicating the situation. The Archbishop has called for urgent action to develop the shrine to international standards.
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago expressed concerns about the broader impact of encroachment on Kampala’s infrastructure, particularly drainage systems. A recent KCCA report showed that no funds have been allocated for primary drainage channels in the 2025/26 budget, while flooding issues continue due to encroachments by tycoons on wetlands and drainage channels. The council has proposed holding stakeholder meetings to find long-term solutions, including modern methods for covering drainage channels.
The Archbishop’s plea underscores the need for coordinated efforts to address both the encroachment on religious sites and the city’s drainage challenges.
