Denis Tugume, a member of the NPA board who represented the Executive Director during the commemoration of World Town Planning Day in Masaka City, expressed concern about the apparent reluctance of local governments to enforce physical planning laws.
A rare view of Katanga Land currently occupied by hundreds of squatters with makeshift shelters. It has grown into one of the biggest slums in Kampala.
The National Planning Authority (NPA) has raised a red flag over the widespread non-adherence to physical planning regulations, which is exposing communities to significant risks. According to the authority, only 25 percent of the National Physical Development Planning framework is being implemented across the country, resulting in the emergence of many poorly planned slums.
Denis Tugume, a member of the NPA board who represented the Executive Director during the commemoration of World Town Planning Day in Masaka City, expressed concern about the apparent reluctance of local governments to enforce physical planning laws. Despite rapid urbanization, Tugume noted that most local governments, including cities, municipalities, and town councils, lack updated physical development plans to guide infrastructure development.
He emphasized that many urban centers are expanding with cluttered buildings, giving the country an unkempt appearance and exposing communities to numerous challenges.
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Tugume added that the lack of planned developments limits the country's potential for socio-economic transformation, urging physical development planners in local governments to engage their leaders and work on updating outdated structural plans.
Derek Muhwezi Banyweine, an Urban Planning Specialist from Makerere University, delivered the keynote address, urging local government physical planners to apply their expertise to guide proper developments in their areas. He also called for more resources to be allocated to physical planning departments to enable staff to reach communities and provide proper guidance.
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Muhwezi also cautioned local governments against unethical planning, which he said perpetuates injustices against the underprivileged. He explained that when unplanned developments fail to align with the designed frameworks, marginalized groups often resort to occupying wetlands and other non-residential areas, creating further issues.
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Meanwhile, Martin Kigozi, the Masaka City Physical Development Planner, expressed frustration with the impunity and high-handedness of some well-connected individuals who blatantly disregard technical guidance before undertaking construction. He cited how such actions have led to the blocking of utility service lanes, road reserves, and misplaced constructions in growing urban centers.
Kigozi called on the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development to provide more support to local governments in updating their physical development plans. He argued that many technical officers are struggling to provide effective guidance based on outdated or non-existent master plans.
