Calls grow for urgent action to fix Kampala’s planning errors

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Decades of poor planning have left Kampala struggling with severe infrastructural challenges, exposing the city to worsening congestion, flooding, and inadequate services.

Experts warn that failure to address these long-standing issues now will only deepen the crisis in the years to come.

An urban development advisor with Cities Alliance has urged immediate action, cautioning that Kampala cannot afford to wait another 60 years to correct its planning mistakes.

He stressed that addressing problems such as traffic gridlock, sanitation gaps, and poverty requires a collaborative approach involving government, private sector players, and communities.

“Challenges like inadequate housing, sanitation gaps, and climate resilience cannot be managed single-handedly,” he said.

He made these remarks during the launch of the Kampala Metropolitan Development Forum (KCCA-MDF), an initiative by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to strengthen community engagement and foster citizen ownership of urban projects.

The KCCA-MDF will enable residents to monitor projects such as roadworks and demand accountability from KCCA.

“This initiative is an opportunity for the community to oversee city workers and ensure accountability so that lower-income residents are not neglected,” Mabala emphasised.

Addressing stakeholders—including market vendors, commuter taxi drivers, and representatives from the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA)—he urged each group to propose solutions to the city’s pressing challenges.

“This platform allows knowledge-sharing and active engagement, where each stakeholder has a role in solving Kampala’s problems,” he added.

Speaking at the forum’s introduction at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour on March 31, 2025, KCCA-MDF president Dr Thadeus Musoke said the initiative would bridge gaps between the government, private sector, and residents, ensuring that urban projects align with the aspirations of Kampala’s people.

“There are people who have been impersonating KCCA workers, but through this forum, we will be able to collaborate with KCCA to make arrests,” Musoke said.

He stressed that traders should not suffer business disruptions due to issues like flooding. The forum, he added, would provide a platform for them to voice their concerns.

“Some contractors leave manholes open after their work, posing risks to traders and pedestrians. This forum will address such issues,” Musoke said.

He added that KCCA needs to improve street lighting, with the forum set to assess conditions across all five divisions of Kampala.

Deputy executive director Benon Higenyi explained that KCCA established the forum to engage stakeholders in identifying and addressing urban challenges.

“We want to develop our city, and this forum allows residents to share their perspectives on how Kampala should be managed,” he said.

“For Kampala to grow, this is the best platform to ensure city dwellers have a voice and can fully enjoy the city.”