Kampala Physical Development Plan 2040
Core idea
Polycentric structure & wetlands protection
Why it matters
Reframes city around green/blue assets
Description
A citywide physical development plan for the Ugandan capital prepared under the Kampala Capital City Authority, with a horizon of 2040. It proposes a polycentric structure of satellite centres to relieve the congested central business district, and treats the city's wetlands, valleys and drainage corridors as a protected green-blue framework around which urbanisation should be organised. The plan covers the rapidly growing metropolitan area and addresses transport, land use and environmental management together.
Significance
The plan is a prominent example of a new generation of African metropolitan plans that put ecological assets, rather than colonial-era zoning, at the centre of city structure. Its significance is debated: wetland encroachment and informal growth have continued, raising familiar questions about the gap between ambitious master plans and implementation capacity in fast-growing East African cities.
What shaped it
- SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities (2015)
- Urban resilience (2013)
- The master plan (early 20th c.)
- New Urban Agenda (2016)
Sources
- https://www.newvision.co.ug/news/1306253/kcca-unveils-plan-decongest-city
- https://www.kcca.go.ug/media/docs/PLAN%20MAP4_General%20Land%20Use%20Plan%202024-2040.pdf