MPs question KCCA over high-rise buildings invading residential areas

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Lawmakers have criticised Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) over what they described as the deteriorating state of planning in the capital.

Members of Parliament on the physical infrastructure committee, including Sarah Opendi (Tororo Woman MP, NRM) and Elijah Okupa (Kasilo County, Independent), raised concerns on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, during a meeting with officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport led by Gen. Katumba Wamala, who also represented the line minister responsible for KCCA.

The meeting focused on the Budget Framework Paper for the 2026/27 financial year, which the stand-in committee chairperson, Maurice Kibalya (Bugabula South, Independent), said the committee is required to table by the close of the week.

Gen. Katumba Wamala during the meeting. (Credit: Miriam Namutebi)

The legislators expressed frustration over what they described as the unchecked emergence of multi-storey buildings in long-established residential neighbourhoods.

“I don’t know what is driving KCCA, but I think you are the ones disorganising this city. I have somebody who put up five storeys just behind me. It was a residential area; I have to look for where to go because every time, everyone is looking at me. What type of nonsense is this?” Opendi wondered.

Their concerns were raised both before and after explanations by KCCA’s engineer, Justus Akankwasa, who said amendments had been made within the law to reflect the changing character of some residential areas.

“On the issue of high-rise buildings, KCCA developed a new Kampala Physical Development Plan. It is not the old one, and definitely, the skyline changed in various areas. As you know, the planning is zoned, and if you have a residential zone and the skyline is that much, it is allowed. So, you will see new changes in many places because we are moving according to plan,” Akankwasa explained.

This prompted further criticism from the two legislators, who questioned when and how such changes were made without the knowledge of residents or lawmakers.

“Like, for example, Norbert Mao was talking about the Chief Justice, how those around put a skyscraper behind a Chief Justice’s residence. How would you allow that to take place? I thought that is a very important person (VIP) type of person. He has filed a complaint, and now he has even left office…Is that really in order?” Okupa fumed.

“Now you sit with who to change? Do you call all those residents and hold a meeting with them and inform them that the plan for this area has changed? Or it is somebody who is interested in putting up a storyed building who has seen you, and you have okayed and agreed with that person, and therefore that affects everybody else nearby,” Opendi added.

She urged city authorities to benchmark against cities such as Mombasa, where high-rise buildings are not allowed in bungalow residential areas.

“Naguru, we all know, is a residential area. People have moved from Nakasero, shifted to Naguru and other places, now you come and say you have changed. At what point do you change? You approved that place as a residential area with Bungalows, now you change along the way when I already built my residence, and I am living there comfortably. Why this? You can extend those other storeyed structures outside Kampala, why do you want to disorganise residents?” she asked.

Officials were spared further grilling after the stand-in committee chairperson, Kibalya, said Gen. Katumba Wamala was being questioned unfairly and that MPs should instead direct their concerns to the ministers responsible for KCCA. He was supported by Kibanda North MP Linos Ngompek (NRM).