The Uganda government has revived a major proposal to shift the country’s administrative capital from Kampala to Nakasongola, with the process expected to happen gradually rather than through an immediate move.
According to the state minister for Urban Development Margaret Muhanga, President Yoweri Museveni supports the proposal, which would initially involve moving selected government ministries, departments and agencies from Kampala to Nakasongola.
Why Government Chose Nakasongola?
The government says the proposed area offers an opportunity to develop a planned administrative city from the ground up because of its available land, relatively lover population and central location.
The proposal comes amid concerns over Kampala’s congestion, rapid population growth, and urban-planning challenges. Muhanga urged that traffic congestion alone is costing the country heavily and making daily commuting increasingly difficult.
The Minister said the process could be phased over many years and potentially extend to 2040, with government institutions gradually moving to Nakasongola.
That means Kampala would continue operating as Uganda’s major commercial and urban center if Nakasongola eventually becomes the administrative capital.
What happens to Kampala then?
Government officials have sought to reassure property owners and businesses that Kampala would remain economically important.
The proposed relocation is primarily focused on moving the administrative functions of government, rather than abandoning Kampala altogether. Kampala would continue to have businesses and other economic activities.
Why is the government considering the move?
Some of the issues being cited include;
- Severe traffic congestion
- Rapid population growth
- Poor or inadequate urban planning
- Pressure on roads and infrastructure
- The difficulty of reorganizing an already heavily developed city.
For now, there’s is no instructions for Kampala residents to relocate.
The current proposal concerns the gradual relocation of government ministries, departments and agencies, not the mass relocation of Kampala’s population.
If implemented, however, the move could have significant long-term effects on real estate, transport, business, employment, and property demand in both Kampala and Nakasogola.
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