Kampala has experienced rapid population growth in the last 20 years. PHOTO/FILE/MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
Kampala, designated by colonial rulers as Uganda's capital, historically hosted major administrative, religious, educational, and business centres. This privileged position attracted people from across the country seeking better opportunities.
My parents arrived in the 1960s during the post-independence boom. I grew up in the relatively calmer 1980s (despite political upheavals) when the city's population was around 500,000. Most residents lived close to the centre, with distances beyond 10km considered too far, unsafe, and expensive.
However, the increased influx of people and rapid population growth—exceeding 5 percent annually—has pushed Kampala’s daytime population beyond four million. This strain on resources has forced many people to reside farther away (up to 30km) and endure long commutes. Numerous challenges, particularly inadequate transportation infrastructure, hinder daily life.
Recognising this, policymakers have advanced plans such as the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) Urban Development Programme. Launched in December 2023, the GKMA Programme aims to promote integrated and sustainable urbanisation through improved transportation and infrastructure in Kampala and the surrounding districts of Wakiso, Mukono, and Mpigi.
While this initiative is crucial, its implementation requires substantial long-term funding, currently heavily reliant on external financiers like the World Bank. Meanwhile, urgent challenges within the city that demand immediate attention require limited funding but could significantly improve livelihoods.
Overcrowding and Pollution
The uncontrolled crowds in downtown Kampala are overwhelming. One must squeeze through small businesses spilling onto walkways, hawkers aggressively pushing their products, and all types of motorists—including large trucks—fighting for space. While it is understandable that city residents must make a living, efforts must be made to organise and regulate businesses to ensure quality and safety.
Pollution in downtown Kampala and its suburbs is a public health concern. Businesses blast advertisements through loudspeakers, mobile megaphones roam the streets, and street preachers add to the deafening noise. Strengthened sensitisation and enforcement are needed to address noise pollution.
Dust fills the air, covering people and businesses. Uganda's light soils mean that an hour of sunshine creates dust, while 30 minutes of rain results in mud and slippery roads. Paving all roads in the city is unrealistic due to high costs, but Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) could collaborate with researchers to find cost-effective solutions to stabilise the soil.
Waste Management Crisis
Garbage disposal in Kampala has descended into anarchy. Small heaps of waste dot roadsides, drainage channels are clogged with plastic, and discarded polythene bags drift aimlessly through the air. Pouring used water onto the streets has become routine, and it is an open secret that arcade, and mall owners release raw sewage into public spaces when it rains.
However, the city’s waste problem presents a hidden opportunity—most of Kampala’s refuse is biodegradable or recyclable. Agro-based waste could be repurposed as animal feed, human and animal waste converted into energy and fertiliser, and plastics and metals recycled. Sensitisation, waste separation initiatives, and public-private partnerships could transform waste management into a thriving business sector.
Transport and Traffic Gridlock
Public transportation, dominated by poorly regulated minibuses (matatus) and motorcycles (boda bodas), contributes to traffic congestion and safety concerns. Collaboration with transport associations can help restore order.
For those living 15 kilometres outside the city, missing the 6 am departure deadline means losing two hours in traffic. Leaving work after 6 pm means another two hours spent in gridlock. These wasted resources severely impact quality of life, productivity, and economic growth.
While poor public transport plays a role in congestion, other culprits include illegal structures in road reserves, sprawling roadside markets, and reckless driving. Makeshift buildings encroach on road space, limiting visibility and reducing parking availability.
Leadership Challenges
Beyond these issues, Kampala suffers from a long-standing conflict between political and technical leadership, hindering effective urban planning and implementation. It is high time these two factions reconciled for the common good.
Kampala retains its potential as a vibrant and welcoming city. However, addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach, fostering reconciliation between stakeholders, and prioritising the needs of city dwellers. It is time for our leaders to help define the city we desire, establish principles for orderly living, and ensure accountability from all stakeholders.
Denis Kibira, PhD
Public Health Enthusiast and Advocate
Dumaic Global Health
