By Brenda Asiimwe

Local government officials in and around Kampala have been asked to effectively implement the Physical Planning Act 2010 to address problems of urban development in the country.

The Act which came into effect on the 29th of April 2011 replaced the Town and Country Planning Act which was rendered difficult to operate because of inconsistency with contemporary policy and legislation in the country.

Addressing officials from Kampala Metropolitan area, Mukono, Wakiso and Mpigi, state minister for urban development Justine Lumumba said that the success of this Act entirely depends on their devotion to implement it.

This was at a one day workshop organized by the ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban development on Tuesday at Grand imperial hotel.

Lumumba told the officials that the supply of land in Uganda is fixed although the population keeps growing at a high rate of 3.2% yearly.

“This has manifested itself in the high rate of urbanization which is now at 5.1%. It has contributed to the rapid population growth which is unmatched with the development in the physical infrastructure, housing and social amenities,” She added.

She observed that this level of development calls for compliance to the PPA regulations to mitigate the emerging social and environmental challenges in their areas of jurisdiction.

Lumumba also appealed to the political leaders of districts, Municipalities and Sub Counties to avoid political interference which will hinder them from enforcing the law.

She commended the Kampala city authority for the work done in demolishing buildings that do not comply with the city’s physical planning.

“We are beginning to see positive developments in Kampala where buildings are being remodeled to suit the KCCA plans. It should be the same for you, so that your towns can look better than they are today,” Lumumba added.

Gabinddade Musoke the ministry’s Permanent Secretary said the new law declares the whole country a planning area.

He pointed out that this implied that all development whether in urban or rural areas will be subjected to planning approval from the National Physical Planning Board (NPPB) or the respective planning committee.

“Local governments and institutions should ensure that the new law is implemented and further disseminated in respective governments and also provide budgets to facilitate the Physical planning committees.” Musoke said.