Makerere University has released a detailed report highlighting the major challenges affecting urban development in Kampala, one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities. The report, part of the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) program, identifies critical issues such as inadequate infrastructure, governance failures, and rising inequality, which are threatening sustainable urban growth.
Launched on February 13, 2025, by Mario Obiga Kania, Uganda’s Minister of State for Urban Development, the report provides a roadmap for addressing these challenges. Researchers from Makerere University’s Urban Action Lab collaborated with local and international experts to analyze the city’s urban dynamics, focusing on informal settlements, land use, governance, and public health.
Urban Development Challenges
The report highlights rapid population growth as a major strain on Kampala’s infrastructure. With an annual growth rate of 5.6%, the city struggles with inadequate housing, poor sanitation, traffic congestion, and unreliable public services.
Governance inefficiencies also hinder urban development. The report notes poor coordination between Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the central government, resulting in slow service delivery and policy implementation. Political interference and corruption further complicate reforms.
Informal settlements remain underserved, with limited access to clean water, electricity, and security. The privatization of essential services has also led to market-driven inequalities, leaving many residents unable to afford basic services.
Dr. Paul Isolo Mukwaya, lead author of the report, emphasized the need for urgent interventions to address Kampala’s urban crisis. “The city’s rapid growth has outpaced infrastructure development. Without immediate reforms, Kampala risks further urban deterioration,” he said.
Proposed Reforms
The report outlines key policy recommendations, including:
- Upgrading informal settlements through better housing, sanitation, and service provision.
- Improving land registration to enhance security and reduce exploitation.
- Enhancing waste management by introducing sustainable systems and recycling initiatives.
- Expanding youth training programs to address unemployment and social instability.
- Strengthening governance by improving coordination between city authorities and the central government.
Hon. Mario Obiga Kania called for practical solutions to Kampala’s urban issues. “Research should be a tool for solving problems, not just highlighting them. We need to prioritize policies that transform Kampala into a thriving, well-planned city,” he said.
City Leaders Weigh In
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago welcomed the report’s findings, emphasizing the need for long-term planning. “Kampala lacks a structural plan. The city has vast potential, but without proper development policies, it will remain disorganized. We must turn our slums into the ‘Garden City of Africa,’” he said.
Prof. Edward Bbaale, representing Makerere University’s Vice Chancellor, reaffirmed the university’s role in shaping urban development. “Sustainable solutions require collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and city planners. Makerere University remains committed to providing evidence-based strategies for Kampala’s growth,” he stated.
The report also proposes innovative projects, such as a plastic waste recycling hub in Kisenyi III and improved sanitation facilities at Ggaba Market, to address specific urban challenges.
Stakeholders at the report launch emphasized the need for urgent action. As Kampala’s population continues to grow, experts warn that failure to implement these recommendations could lead to worsening urban conditions and increased inequality.
Makerere University Report Exposes Key Challenges in Kampala’s Urban Growth added by Philimon Badagawa on
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