Opinion : How The Lands Sector Is Driving Uganda’s Urban Transformation

By Dickson Namisi

Uganda’s lands sector is undergoing a transformative evolution, laying the groundwork for urban prosperity, resilience, and inclusive development. This growth is visibly manifest in the revitalized infrastructure of Kasese Municipality, where Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, joined His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to officially commission completed infrastructure projects under the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Nabakoobareflected on the remarkable turnaround Kasese has undergone. “We found this place in poor condition, but today we proudly hand over well-executed infrastructure developments,” she stated. This transformation is more than a facelift, it is a signal of the deepening impact of the lands sector in Uganda’s broader development agenda.

The completed projects in Kasese stand as evidence of the lands sector’s potential to drive structured urban growth. Key roads rehabilitated and constructed include Renzori Road, Bus Circular Road, 3rd Street, Kitalikubi Road, Park Rise, Stanley Road, Margarita Road, Rukidi III–Port Circular Road, Crescent, Mandela Road, Total Road, Mboghoyabo, and Lincoln Road. These once dilapidated and underutilized streets are now functional arteries, facilitating commerce, easing transportation, and elevating the quality of urban life.

Importantly, the focus was not solely on roads. USMID’sholistic approach also introduced modern drainage systems that mitigate the impacts of floods,one of the pressing challenges in many Ugandan towns. Additionally, the development of green spaces underscores a growing awareness of climate resilience in urban planning. These spaces offer aesthetic, environmental, and mental health benefits, reaffirming the lands sector’s multi-dimensional role in development.

One of the unique strengths of the USMID program, and by extension the growth of the lands sector, lies in capacity building and inclusive governance. Kasese now boasts trained municipal staff and active infrastructure committees. These committees serve as a vital link between the government and local communities, fostering transparency, accountability, and civic participation. When communities are engaged in planning, monitoring, and maintenance, the longevity and sustainability of projects significantly improve.

Furthermore, solid waste management has received much-needed attention. With a new garbage truck and a well-coordinated strategy, Kasese is now cleaner and better prepared to manage urban waste, an area often overlooked in urban development but crucial to public health and environmental sustainability.

Infrastructure development has far-reaching economic implications. Kasese Municipality’s local revenue has risen from UGX 399 million to UGX 1.4 billion, a more than threefold increase, with even more potential to grow through digitized revenue collection systems. This leap in revenue reflects the enabling environment created by improved roads, lighting, and public amenities that attract investors and encourage entrepreneurship.

Street lighting, in particular, has played a crucial role in unlocking the town’s night economy. Safer streets mean longer business hours, increased mobility, and heightened economic activity after dark. Security is not only a matter of safety, it’s also a condition for sustained commerce and community well-being.

Hon. Nabakooba’s call to action is timely and clear: “Let us use this infrastructure for our wellbeing and show support through action. Let’s continue working with government to build a model Kasese.” This statement captures the essence of Uganda’s lands sector transformation; it’s not just about government investment but about community ownership and partnership.

The growth of the lands sector is central to Uganda’s journey toward modern, resilient, and inclusive cities. With models like Kasese leading the way, other municipalities across the country can look forward to similar transformations. As Uganda embraces structured urbanization and sustainable land use planning, the future of its cities and indeed its peoplelooks promising.