Mukono District Local Government, in collaboration with the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program (GKMA-UDP), has presented a draft Physical Development Plan intended to guide urban growth and infrastructure development across the district.
The meeting, held at Colline Hotel in Mukono, was facilitated by Ms Latitude Consulting Team Limited in partnership with the district. The plan is part of the GKMA-UDP, funded by the World Bank and the Government of Uganda, which supports nine urban entities in the metropolitan area.
The engagement attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO), Vice District Chairperson, District Speaker Rt. Hon. Betty Hope Nakasi, District Executive Committee members, LCIII chairpersons, technical officers, councilors, and officials from the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
Dr. Fredrick Omoro, Team Leader for Ms Latitude Consulting Team Limited, revealed that the draft plan, launched in April this year, seeks to promote orderly development in key areas such as transportation, tourism, and accessibility. He acknowledged existing challenges, including unfavorable weather, low community mobilization, and limited sensitization of local leaders, which occasionally slowed progress.
Mukono District Physical Planner Mr. Kamoga Hamuza underscored that Mukono had previously grown without a structured plan, leading to disorganized settlements, wetlands encroachment, and poor land use. He assured participants that the new plan aims to close these gaps and foster sustainable land management.
Representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy CAO Mr. Muhumuza Stephen called for strict adherence to the plan, warning that any department that ignores it will be failing in its mandate. “Mukono has for years suffered from uncoordinated growth. This plan is a turning point and must guide all future developments,” he said.
The Vice Chairperson Jorem Kabali Kimera, who represented the LC V Chairperson Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, welcomed the initiative and commended the government and GKMA-UDP for prioritizing Mukono. He urged leaders and residents to embrace the plan to ensure a well-organized and competitive district in the future.
Closing the meeting, RDC Hajjati Fatuma Ndisaba urged communities to avoid frustrating government projects with unrealistic compensation demands during land acquisition. She stressed the importance of supporting development initiatives that can unlock Mukono’s economic potential, including industrial expansion in Namanve, Karagi, and Naggalama, as well as tourism development at Sezibwa Falls and Mpatta Island.
On transport, she highlighted the need for alternative road networks to decongest the Kampala–Jinja Highway and called on the Ministry of Works and Transport to fast-track infrastructure projects in Mukono.
The meeting ended with an interactive session where political leaders, technical officers, and stakeholders exchanged views on how best to implement the physical development plan without displacing communities or causing social tension.
Leaders emphasized coordination, transparency, and community engagement as key pillars for success. Consensus was reached that with collective effort, the plan will not only organize urban growth but also position Mukono as a regional hub for industry, tourism, and sustainable development.
