MUKONO — Mukono District has intensified efforts to promote organized and sustainable urban development through the implementation of Detailed Physical Development Plans under the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA-UDP).
The ongoing planning process targets Nama Sub-county, Nakisunga Sub-county, and Kyampisi Sub-county, where district officials, local leaders, technical teams, and community stakeholders are collaborating to guide future land use, infrastructure development, and environmental protection.
According to district authorities, ten parishes in Nama and Nakisunga sub-counties were selected for preparation of draft physical development plans, while eight parishes in Kyampisi Sub-county were also identified under the district’s broader strategy to support orderly urban growth and improve service delivery.
The stakeholder engagements brought together parish chiefs, councillors, technical staff, and local residents to discuss sustainable land use planning, settlement patterns, infrastructure expansion, and proper management of public resources in rapidly urbanizing areas.
During the meetings, Kamoga Amuza cautioned local leaders against approving and signing sub-standard land agreements that fail to provide proper road access or comply with physical planning regulations.
He warned that poor land subdivision practices continue to fuel illegal developments, land disputes, congestion, and unplanned settlements, all of which threaten sustainable urban growth.
In Nama Sub-county, leaders reviewed the Draft Physical Development Plan report intended to guide the future transformation of the area. Kamoga noted that the district envisions Nama as a future industrial and transportation hub because of its strategic location along the Kampala–Jinja Highway corridor.
He explained that rapid population growth and urbanization require proper planning to prevent disorderly settlements and infrastructure challenges.
Under the proposed plans, all land plots will be required to have proper right of way to minimize land conflicts and improve accessibility. Kamoga urged LC I chairpersons to stop approving sub-standard plots that fail to meet planning standards, warning that such practices contribute to slum development and poor infrastructure coordination.
He also encouraged landowners to utilize land in accordance with the provisions of the Land Act.
Kamoga further revealed that implementation of the physical development plans will soon begin in the selected parishes, focusing on land demarcation, infrastructure installation, road development, and enforcement of building regulations.
The district also plans to open community roads in Nama Sub-county to improve accessibility and support organized settlement patterns.
He stressed the importance of proper legal documentation for land donated to public institutions such as schools, churches, and health facilities, noting that lack of formal documentation often triggers disputes between beneficiaries and family members after the death of original donors.
Kamoga also urged parish chiefs to take firm action against landlords encroaching on road reserves, wetlands, and other public land.
Margret Kizza commended local leaders for actively participating in the planning discussions and encouraged them to continue mobilizing communities to embrace government development programmes.
In Nakisunga Sub-county, leaders and stakeholders held similar engagements on the Detailed Physical Development Plan. Local leaders applauded the GKMA-UDP team and district technical staff for supporting the planning process and called for continued collaboration among stakeholders.
District planners highlighted Nakisunga’s growing strategic importance due to major infrastructure projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway, the Jinja Express Highway, Kigombya–Namuyenje Road, and Katosi Road.
However, officials acknowledged persistent challenges such as land-use conflicts, environmental degradation, illegal developments, and encroachment on wetlands and road reserves.
Meanwhile, planning activities also continued in Kyampisi Sub-county, which district officials identified as one of Mukono’s key future growth areas due to its fertile agricultural land, tourism potential, transport connectivity, and industrial opportunities.
Harriet Namatovu Luzira thanked local leaders for participating in large numbers and urged them to sensitize communities on the importance of embracing development planning programmes.
Representing the District Planner, Patrick Balironda said Kyampisi presents significant opportunities for agricultural expansion, industrial development around Kalagala, and future infrastructure projects.
He, however, noted that the sub-county also faces challenges including land tenure conflicts, ecological sensitivity, built-up settlements, and political interference in development processes.
Officials emphasized that Detailed Physical Development Plans are critical planning tools designed to guide land use, infrastructure coordination, and environmental sustainability within specific areas.
Through the ongoing GKMA-UDP planning process, Mukono District says it is laying a strong foundation for organized urban growth, sustainable land management, and improved service delivery across its rapidly developing communities.
District leaders have called upon residents, landowners, and local leaders to fully cooperate with the planning process, adhere to physical planning regulations, and protect public resources for future generations.
