Residents and political analysts in Hoima have criticised city authorities for failing to transform the area into a modern urban centre despite its elevation to city status in 2019.
Many locals say unregulated construction, poor trade order and inadequate garbage management continue to define the city’s landscape, raising concerns about the lack of a comprehensive physical development plan.
City leaders, however, maintain that they are currently operating under the former municipality framework while plans to revise and implement a full city physical plan are underway.
Authorities say the recent recruitment of critical staff, particularly enforcement officers, will help curb illegal construction and restore order.
Officials have warned that any buildings erected without approval will be demolished without compensation.
Senior politician Jackson Wabyona described Hoima as “a city in name but not in reality,” arguing that expectations tied to city status —
including improved infrastructure, organised trade and planned development — have yet to be realised.
He noted that stakeholders were not sufficiently consulted during the formulation of the physical plan, contributing to the current disorganisation.
Political analyst Ali Babi said Hoima’s challenges reflect what he termed premature urbanisation, adding that the city has continued operating on a limited municipal budget.
Residents also cited leadership gaps as a key factor behind the slow transformation. Following the recently concluded elections, several incumbent leaders, including former mayor Brian Kaboyo, lost their seats — a move some voters say was intended to usher in more decisive leadership.
Citizen Ismail Kusemererwa said the city requires leaders with a clear development agenda and stronger financial support, noting that running a city on a budget of about Shs 29 billion remains a major constraint.
Meanwhile, Deputy Mayor Sylivia Nalumaga attributed the disorder partly to understaffing, particularly the absence of enforcement teams. She said recruitment has now been completed and sensitisation efforts are ongoing to guide residents on zoning regulations.
In contrast, the City Resident Commissioner Badru Mugabi insisted that a city physical plan already exists and that key departmental heads have been recruited to support its implementation.
Authorities say new zoning measures will designate specific areas for industrial, commercial and residential development, including industrial activities in Kiryatete and residential expansion in Bujumbura and Kanenankumba.
City leaders emphasise that restoring trade order and enforcing planned development will be central to Hoima’s transformation, warning that landowners unable to develop according to zoning requirements may be compelled to sell their plots.