Kampala’s residents could soon see cleaner streets, faster transport, and new workspaces as the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) rolls out an ambitious five-year, shs11.9 trillion strategic plan aimed at transforming the city by 2030.
The blueprint, launched under the theme “Revitalizing Kampala into a Functional City”, promises to tackle some of the capital’s most pressing challenges from flooding and traffic gridlock to poor waste management while boosting social services, education, and economic opportunities.
By 2030, KCCA targets to upgrade 325 km of roads and increase the paved network from 37% to 52%, cutting travel time by nearly a third, roll out a bus rapid transit (14.4 km), extend commuter rail to Port Bell and Kyengera, and design a light tail transit system, end reliance on Kiteezi landfill with a new Buyala waste facility, lifting solid waste collection from 55% to 75% and recycling from less than 1% to 30%, expand markets and create 10,000 new vendor and artisan workspaces and improve literacy to 95% and reduce the pupil-teacher ratio to 30:1, while tackling maternal and infant mortality.
Deputy Head of Public Service Jane Kyarisima said the ultimate test will be felt on the ground.
“The true measure of success will not be in the quality of these documents but in the visible transformation in our communities—clean streets, quality roads, and improved services. These are the real indicators of progress.”
To fund the plan, KCCA will tap government transfers, climate finance, public-private partnerships, and introduce municipal bonds.
Officials also expect to grow their own non-tax revenue collections from shs114.3 billion in FY2023/24 to shs165.5 billion by 2030.
KCCA Executive Director Hajjat Sharifah Buzeki called the plan a tool for change rather than a paper exercise.
“Together with my team, we believe this goal is achievable. This plan is not a mere policy document, but a change tool that will deliver a capital city of opportunity and progress. We call on all stakeholders to join us in this struggle to ensure we deliver a city that works for everyone.”
Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who has often criticized KCCA’s policy directions, struck a rare optimistic note.
“I’m extremely excited to see that these documents are finally here. They give us the framework to manage urban growth and to make Kampala a functional, modern city.”
But officials admitted success will depend on more than paperwork and financing. They called on residents, political leaders, the private sector, cultural institutions, and development partners to play their part.
“The Plan articulates our vision of a vibrant, attractive, liveable, and sustainable city. With transparency, accountability, innovation, and citizen participation, we will turn this strategy into meaningful results,” Buzeki remarked.
