KCCA HOLDS OPEN DAY TO PROMOTE ORDERLY URBAN DEVELOPMENT

Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has intensified its call for orderly urban development, warning that continued disregard of planning regulations is exposing Kampala to avoidable risks and long-term inefficiencies.

Speaking at the Directorate of Physical Planning (DPP) Open Day held at City Square, Deputy Executive Director Benon Kigenyi said poor development practices especially illegal construction and non-compliance are undermining the city’s structure and resilience.

“When plans are ignored or bypassed, the consequences come back to us,” Kigenyi said, noting that unregulated growth has steadily weakened Kampala’s planning systems.

He urged residents and developers to align with approved plans and support KCCA’s push to restore order in the city.

“Join us. We declutter Kampala for a better city,” he said.

In a move aimed at restoring public confidence, Kigenyi revealed that development plan approvals have been reduced to a maximum of 30 days. The entire process has also been digitized, allowing applicants to submit and track their applications online.

“Do not sit back and assume your file is stuck. If it delays, come and ask we will tell you exactly where it is and why,” Kigenyi said.

He warned against the use of brokers, saying they often slow down the process instead of speeding it up.

“Deal directly with KCCA. The system is now transparent and accessible,” he emphasized.

Director of Physical Planning Vincent Byendamaire said the online platform eliminates unnecessary movement and improves accountability, enabling applicants to monitor progress in real time.

Supervisor Physical Planning Mike Yiga added that the simplified system has removed the need for long queues and physical follow-ups, making permit acquisition more efficient.

Officials highlighted mounting pressure on Kampala’s land and infrastructure systems, revealing that 56.6 percent of wetlands have been degraded, largely due to informal settlements and unplanned expansion.

They also pointed to resistance toward high-density developments such as apartments, which planners consider essential for a fast-growing city with limited land.

To address these challenges, KCCA is implementing targeted interventions, including the Kawempe Urban Detailed Plan and action plans for 10 major road corridors. Other key projects include the Royal Mile and the Lubiri Cultural and Heritage Centre, aimed at enhancing urban functionality and preserving cultural assets.

The new physical development framework also expands the Central Business District to include Bugolobi and Nsambya, reflecting Kampala’s shifting economic landscape.

The Open Day, held under the theme “Get the Plan. Shape the City. Together,” provided a platform for direct engagement between planners and the public.

Participants including developers, professionals, and community representatives engaged in one-on-one consultations with KCCA officials through a desk-to-desk model. Demonstrations on GIS mapping, zoning, and online permit applications helped demystify the planning process.

Officials said the initiative is part of a broader effort to build trust, improve compliance, and foster collaboration in shaping Kampala’s future.

“The goal is clear, an organized, green, and prosperous city for current and future generations,” one official noted.

By the close of the event, KCCA had gathered public feedback to inform policy and service improvements, signaling a stronger shift toward transparent, inclusive, and citizen-driven urban governance.

By Geofrey Mutegeki Araali

Communication and Media Relations Officer