Ham Kiggundu has been in the news recently over controversies surrounding the Nakivubo Stadium redevelopment. The Catholic Church expressed displeasure with him over a blocked road leading to one of its facilities, sparking discontent among various stakeholders, including KCCA, vendors, and other city dwellers. The situation has caused significant inconvenience and raised broader questions about the project’s execution and its impact on the community.
As the saying goes, “Money hates noise.” In this case, Ham has invested heavily in Nakivubo and naturally expects a return on his investment. However, the rains have exposed flaws in the project’s engineering, causing flooding in parts of the city. It’s unlikely that Ham intended for these disruptions—after all, he also uses the same roads for his businesses. The root of the issue appears to be inadequate planning or subpar execution by his engineers.
Ham might feel betrayed, especially after KCCA, which had approved his plans, seemed to turn against him when problems arose. Was he let down by his team of architects and engineers? Possibly. However, this moment presents an opportunity for Ham to demonstrate leadership, resilience, and a commitment to rectifying the situation.
Kampala’s Complicated Relationship with the Wealthy
Kampala has a love-hate relationship with its wealthy residents. Billionaires like Ham and Sudhir Ruparelia are often approached for financial support by individuals, organizations, and even government entities. Yet, the same people who celebrate them during their successes can be quick to criticize when challenges arise.
Ham is well-known for his generosity, supporting numerous people and causes. While beneficiaries sing his praises publicly, one wonders if they harbor resentment privately, as is often the case in such relationships.
The public backlash Ham faced after the floods suggests some individuals are eager to see him fail. It’s crucial for Ham to remain calm and focused amidst such criticism. The applause he received during the stadium’s groundbreaking ceremony seems to have turned into discontent following the recent controversies.
