The Government of Uganda has unveiled a 20-year National Physical Development Plan (NPDP) with the ambitious goal of ensuring that the entire country is comprehensively planned. This plan, spanning from 2021 to 2040, is financed by the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank.
Speaking on behalf of the Lands, Housing, and Urban Development Ministry, Minister Judith Nabakooba emphasized the significance of the NPDP in bridging existing gaps that hinder the realization of objectives outlined in the Comprehensive National Development Planning Framework, National Development Plan III, and Vision 2040. She stressed that effective implementation of the plan’s pillars is crucial for strategic city placement, infrastructure development, and sustainable land use.
The NPDP aims to address the challenge of limited land by devising strategies for its optimal utilization, considering the constant demand for land amidst increasing population pressure. Aligned with Vision 2040, the plan seeks to transform Uganda from a predominantly agrarian and low-income economy to a competitive, middle-income, and modern industrialized nation.
Specifically, the NPDP aims to enhance agricultural productivity through the establishment of agro-processing industries and access to export markets. It also prioritizes the development of properly serviced industrial sites along infrastructure corridors, linked to production areas, and the promotion of urban areas as engines of economic growth.
Vice President Jessica Alupo, represented by First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, underscored the importance of the long-term plan in response to Uganda’s projected population growth from 50 million to 70 million over the next 25 years.
The NPDP also serves as a guide for safeguarding protected areas and preserving natural resources, aiming to rectify past shortcomings in national spatial decision-making.
Local governments are integral to the plan’s implementation, with Minister of State for Urban Development Obiga Kania urging their active involvement in ensuring well-developed settlements and reduced risks. However, Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi expressed concerns about the financial constraints faced by local governments, hindering their ability to fulfill their mandates.
In response to Magyezi’s concerns, Deputy Premier Kadaga assured that the government is working to streamline financial processes for local governments and allocate grants for physical planning, starting with 5 billion shillings next year.
The NPDP also emphasizes the sustainable growth of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA) and other urban centers, while encouraging rural development through urban development approaches.
The plan aligns with ongoing initiatives such as the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Program and Spatial Planning interventions supported by various development partners. It underscores the importance of equitable resource distribution and equal opportunities for all in land and resource acquisition.
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