Masaka's slum expansion worries authorities

Masaka, one of Uganda's ten new cities, is facing challenges with urban sprawl and slum expansion, dampening the hopes residents had for rapid development after the city's promotion in 2019.

Communities anticipated infrastructure improvements and economic growth but are instead experiencing crowded neighborhoods, insufficient public services, and limited infrastructure.

Other cities, including Mbarara, Jinja, and Gulu, are grappling with similar issues, raising questions about Uganda's urban planning policy.

Prominent city hills like Misaali, Kasaana, Gayaza, Kirimya, and Ssenyange were expected to see the development of modern structures and high-end residences.

However, these areas have seen limited improvements, and many have become congested, lacking essential services like water and passable roads.

"The situation is worsening. People hoped for development, but what they’re getting instead is cramped neighborhoods with barely any water or proper roads," noted one Masaka resident.

Masaka Mayor Florence Namayanja acknowledged the challenges, citing a lack of urban planning staff and funds as key issues.

"The city does not have enough staff for urban planning, and the few who are here lack the necessary funding," she said.

Namayanja called for greater government support in personnel and resources to improve urban management.

Resident city commissioner Hudu Husein voiced his criticism, stating, that the city planners must take responsibility for this situation

"While challenges persist, those entrusted with responsibilities, like city planners must be held accountable for ensuring progress," said RCC Hudu.

Martin Kigozi, the head of town planning, strongly concurred, highlighting the pressing need for greater accountability among stakeholders. He emphasized that without a more strategic and inclusive approach to planning, sustainable development would remain out of reach.

"It's imperative that we rethink our methods, engage all key players, and ensure transparency at every level," he added

Urban planner Prof. Hanington Ssengendo of Makerere University proposed that instead of allowing slums to continue expanding, the government should invest in improving infrastructure in these areas, including water and road access. He also suggested that the government consider establishing new cities with comprehensive plans to avoid similar challenges.

"We need to make these neighborhoods places of pride, where people can live comfortably with access to basic services," Ssengendo remarked.

Speaking during world town planning day held in Masaka, state Minister of Urban Development Mario Obiga Kania  highlighted Uganda’s efforts to integrate urban planning into national policy, referencing the recent fiscal development plan and physical planning laws.

"Physical planning is more than just building houses. It’s about considering the whole environment, from roads and power lines to resources like rivers and mountains," he stated.

Kania emphasized the importance of planning across urban and rural areas alike.

"If we only develop urban areas, the villages will be left empty, and we’ll have nothing to sustain our cities," he said, underlining the need for balance to prevent population imbalances between urban and rural areas.

Uganda’s population shift from rural to urban areas is a pressing issue, as Kania noted.

"Every year, 5.2% of our population moves to cities, while we are only growing at 3.2%," he pointed out.

This rapid urban migration is straining resources, and Uganda’s planning strategy must address this to maintain sustainability for future generations.

Minister Kania urged local councils to allocate funds to support urban planning teams.

He recommended a collaborative approach, where physical planners could work temporarily within a city to draft comprehensive plans.

"Our goal should be to ensure every city has a physical plan, regardless of staff shortages," he added.

Kania further stressed that planning does not always require high-cost consultants, encouraging local talent and resources for the task.

He praised community-based initiatives, noting successes in areas where young planners collaborated on projects with local funding.

Reflecting on the importance of urban planning, Kania urged planners to think beyond short-term projects.

"Your vision must extend 50, 100 years into the future. You are planning not just for today but for the next generation," he said, adding that urban planners must consider every aspect of life within their designs.

As Uganda marks World Urban Planning week, these calls for action resonate not only in Masaka but in cities nationwide, as communities hope for more strategic, sustainable urban growth.