Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo has rejected a government proposal to gradually relocate Uganda’s capital from Kampala to Nakasongola, saying the challenges facing the city should be addressed through increased investment rather than shifting government institutions.
Balimwezo said changing the capital is a major national decision that requires broad consultation and should not be announced without involving Ugandans in discussions about the country’s future.
His comments came after State Minister for Urban Development Margaret Muhanga told Parliament’s Lands and Housing Committee that President Yoweri Museveni supports a phased relocation of government ministries, departments and agencies to Nakasongola.
Muhanga explained that the relocation would not happen immediately but would be implemented gradually, with selected government institutions expected to move first as authorities attempt to reduce pressure on Kampala.
“The president was so much for this capital shift. But you don’t start it in one day. It can go up to 2040,” Muhanga told MPs.
The minister said Kampala has become increasingly difficult to live and work in because of congestion, poor urban planning and pressure on existing infrastructure.
She revealed that traffic congestion costs Uganda’s economy about $1.6 billion annually, with many residents forced to wake up very early to reach their workplaces due to long delays on the roads.
Muhanga argued that establishing a new administrative capital would allow government to develop a properly planned city from the beginning without the challenges currently affecting Kampala.
She said Nakasongola was selected because it is centrally located, has enough available land and has a lower population density, providing room for future expansion.
“Nakasongola is more centrally located, underpopulated and we have a lot of land there,” Muhanga said.
However, Balimwezo disagreed with the proposal, insisting that Kampala’s problems are caused by inadequate investment and not because it serves as the country’s capital.
“We respect the Minister and the Government. However, changing the capital is not a decision that should simply be announced,” Balimwezo said.
The Lord Mayor noted that Kampala has grown since Uganda gained independence in 1962 to become the country’s leading political, commercial, education, health and transport centre.
He said abandoning Kampala would not solve the city’s challenges, adding that more resources should instead be directed towards improving infrastructure and services.
Balimwezo revealed that Kampala Capital City Authority requires about Shs2.4 trillion every financial year to effectively manage the city but receives only about 40 percent of the required funding.
He said the funding gap has affected the implementation of major projects aimed at improving roads, transport systems, drainage and other urban services.
The Lord Mayor said Kampala’s congestion could be reduced through investment in Bus Rapid Transit systems, commuter trains and a metro network.
He argued that the focus should be on making Kampala more efficient while also developing other cities across Uganda.
“The solution is not to abandon Kampala. The solution is to develop Kampala while strengthening and properly funding other cities across Uganda,” he said.
Balimwezo supported increased investment in cities such as Mbarara, Gulu, Jinja, Mbale and Fort Portal, saying stronger urban centres would help spread development across the country.
Meanwhile, Minister Muhanga said relocating government institutions would not destroy Kampala’s economy, insisting that the city would remain Uganda’s commercial centre.
She reassured property owners and business people who fear that moving government offices could reduce demand for buildings and services in Kampala.
Parliament’s Lands and Housing Committee Chairperson Edson Rugumayo backed further discussions on the proposal and asked government to provide details on how the relocation would be carried out.
Balimwezo maintained that the future of Kampala should be decided through inclusive national dialogue involving citizens and leaders from across the country.
“Kampala belongs to all Ugandans, and its future should therefore be decided through inclusive dialogue, consultation, and a shared national vision,” he said.
