Museveni order on Kasokoso is win for urban poor

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OPINION

By Muhammed Kamulegeya

President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to halt evictions and grant security of tenure to over 20,000 residents of Kasokoso-Kiganda in Wakiso district is a landmark decision for Uganda’s urban poor. For decades, informal settlers in Kampala and Wakiso have lived under constant fear of displacement, often without compensation or alternative housing. This move signals a shift towards inclusive urban development that prioritises people over profit.

Urban poverty in Uganda is deeply tied to housing insecurity. Kampala and its metropolitan areas have experienced rapid population growth, yet affordable housing remains scarce. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, over 32% of Uganda’s urban population lives below the poverty line, and more than 60% of Kampala’s residents live in informal settlements lacking basic services like water, sanitation and electricity. These conditions perpetuate inequality and vulnerability. Museveni’s directive to issue individual land titles and develop roads and amenities offers a pathway to stability and dignity for thousands.

To make this directive transformative, Uganda must implement affordable housing schemes by partnering with private developers and non-governmental organisations to build low-cost housing units. Informal settlements should be upgraded with water, sanitation, electricity and roads, without displacing the residents. Housing finance options, such as microloans and rent-to-own models, can help low-income families acquire decent homes. Urban planning must integrate low-income housing into city plans rather than pushing it to the periphery.

Several African countries have adopted progressive policies to address housing challenges for the urban poor. Kenya’s Kibera Slum Upgrading project focuses on improving housing and infrastructure while involving community participation. South Africa’s Reconstruction and Development Programme has delivered over three million low-cost houses to the disadvantaged communities since the end of apartheid.

Ethiopia’s Integrated Housing Development Programme in Addis Ababa provides affordable condominium housing for low-income families. Morocco’s Cities Without Slums Programme aims at eradicating slums by relocating residents into subsidised housing units. Nigeria’s National Housing Fund offers low-interest loans to help citizens build or buy homes.

Beyond Africa, countries like Brazil, through its Favela Upgrading Programme and India, through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, have shown that legalising tenure and upgrading infrastructure can transform informal settlements into vibrant urban communities.

Museveni’s directive is not just about Kasokoso; it sets a precedent for urban land reform across Uganda. If implemented effectively, it could reduce inequality, improve living standards and foster social stability. However, success depends on transparent execution, adequate funding and political will.

The writer is an entrepreneur and an educationist