Relocating Capital Won’t Solve Kampala’s Problems, Specialist Warns

UMARU SSENYONJO

An urban development specialist has cautioned against the proposed relocation of Uganda’s capital from Kampala to Nakasongola, saying moving the administrative centre would not by itself resolve the challenges facing the country’s rapidly growing urban areas.

Dr Amanda Ngabirano says problems such as traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure and poor urban planning are largely a result of rapid urbanisation and would eventually emerge in a new capital if they are not addressed through proper planning and investment.

Her comments come amid government proposals to develop a new capital in Nakasongola as part of efforts to ease pressure on Kampala, which has experienced rapid population growth and increasing demand for transport, housing and public services.

Dr Ngabirano argues that relocating the capital because of Kampala’s challenges risks creating a new city with similar problems in the future.

“If we are shifting because of the problems and the confusion in the capital, I think we are making a very big mistake, because we shall just shift all these problems there. The fundamental issues remain, the policy issues remains, the Human Capital issues remain,” she says.

She says government should instead prioritise adequate funding for urban planning and infrastructure development, both in Kampala and other growing urban centres.

Ngabirano adds that infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, public transport and housing needs to be planned and developed in line with projected population growth.

She says investment in urban infrastructure should also anticipate future demand rather than responding only after cities become congested and overstretched.

“As we urbanise, we should actually decentralise and allocate resources. Every urban area should be able to look like an admirable city, an admirable town, an admirable village! So Nakasongola can also be nice in its rural state,” she adds.

Kampala remains Uganda’s main commercial and administrative centre and attracts large numbers of people from surrounding districts every day, placing increasing pressure on its infrastructure and public services.

The proposed Nakasongola capital is therefore likely to reignite debate over whether Uganda should decentralise administrative and economic activity or invest more heavily in transforming Kampala and other existing urban centres.

Dr Ngabirano maintains that the long-term solution lies in better urban planning and sustained investment rather than simply moving the capital to another location.