Kampala, the bustling capital of Uganda, stands at a pivotal crossroads as it seeks to reimagine its urban landscape and chart a path towards sustainable development. Amidst rapid population growth and urbanization, the city grapples with myriad challenges ranging from congestion and inadequate infrastructure to environmental degradation and social inequalities. However, ambitious plans are underway to transform Kampala into a well-planned city that fosters economic prosperity, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
At the heart of Kampala's revitalization efforts lies the concept of urban planning, a fundamental tool for shaping the city's future trajectory. Recognizing the need for a holistic approach, urban planners advocate for integrated land use policies, efficient transportation systems, and equitable access to basic services. By envisioning Kampala as a compact, walkable, and vibrant urban centre, stakeholders aim to enhance livability and foster a sense of community among residents.
Read more: Revitalizing Kampala: Transforming Uganda's Capital into a Planned City
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), has deployed the city’s first-ever smart pole street lights totaling 87. The lights which are anchored on telecom infrastructure have been placed around various places in the city.
Thirty-three of them are deployed along Kololo Hill Drive, thirty along Nile Avenue, and 18 along Nkrumah Road.
Read more: UG: ATC boosts KCCA’s smart city agenda with 87 innovative streetlights
Kampala City Lord Mayor Mr. Erias Lukwago has tasked local and international technocrats to assure the public whether it is possible to turn Kampala into a modern city.
He made the remarks at the Kampala Capital City Authority politicians’ consultative meeting aimed at discussing the integrated urban development master plan for Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area held on Friday.
Read more: UG: Lukwago tasks technocrats on turning Kampala into a smart city
Efforts to solve Kampala's current infrastructural challenges and achieve government’s smart city plan is being stymied by unreliable data land management systems, an expert has said.
As such government’s programs to reorganize the city and ensure that Kampala conforms to the 21st century requirements are not achieving the desired results as fast as needed.
Read more: UG: 'Kampala smart city progress hampered by lack of reliable land management database’
The good news is that as a consequence of the very fierce campaign by Ugandan social media users, led by cartoonist and activist Jimmy Spire Sentongo recently, President Museveni has positively responded by ensuring that his Cabinet begins to take matters of Kampala more seriously.
A weekly (Monday) Cabinet meeting was wholly dedicated to discussing the state of infrastructure in Kampala and what must urgently be done to provide KCCA with the adequate funding it requires to deliver 21st century roads and drainage infrastructure.
Read more: UG: Take physical planning seriously to develop Kampala as a smart city