Uganda – 12 and 14 September 2023 –  The Physical Development Plans (PDPs) 2022–2040 for the cities of Gulu and Arua were formally launched by the respective city councils, with the support of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). This was in partnership with the National Physical Planning Board (NPPB), National Planning Authority (NPA), Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD) and the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG). The launch builds on the community consultations that began in March 2021 to support Uganda in developing comprehensive physical and development plans for the secondary cities of Gulu and A

Approximately 60% of the people in Gulu and Arua live in unplanned areas. As a result, they experience development problems which has put more strain on the already existing infrastructure. As a solution, good planning with clear commitments to sustainability, with infrastructure investments, was emphasized under outcome 1 of the European Union-funded project on ‘Greening Uganda’s Urbanization and Industrialization’. This generated the development of the PDPs for both cities.

In line with Uganda’s Vision 2040, the launch of these PDPs marks a significant turning point for both cities. It represents an important milestone toward building a green economy and transforming unplanned areas into well-planned, livable neighborhoods. This will improve the quality of life for residents and in turn, attract investment.

In her remarks, Ms. Amanda Ngabirano, Chairperson of NPPB expressed appreciation for the support received from GGGI. She reinforced the need for local leaders to enforce policies to effectively implement these new PDPs. This includes guiding landlords to pave the perimeters of their property and manage waste by careful sorting before collection or disposal. She further urged people to support the developed PDPs and “have a public long-term spirit and not an individualistic spirit…if you are not planning your city, you are planning for chaos”.  Ms. Jackie Kemigisha, the Commissioner for Urban Development, MoLG, also acknowledged the support from GGGI in achieving this great milestone. She noted that the launched PDPs would provide both cities with a clear road map for sustainable urban development and this was to be accomplished with cooperation. “The developed PDPs address the issues of resilience and sustainability. If they are implemented well, our great-grandchildren will find order in this place”, she urged.

During the launch, representatives from both cities expressed their excitement for the launched PDPs because they were developed using a bottom-up approach. This involved extensive consultations for the people and learning with the people. This approach ensured that the PDPs addressed each city’s specific needs and priorities. This fostered a sense of ownership and commitment among the residents while integrating sustainable development principles aiming to promote green growth and resilience in the face of future challenges.

As a call to action, Mr. Joseph Walter Pade – Commissioner- Urban Development, MLHUD, urged leaders of both cities to mobilize communities to better understand and support PDPs through various programs like talk shows as this will aid in addressing current issues and fostering sustainable growth.

Moving forward, GGGI through the Government of Uganda, hopes to embark on neighborhood planning. This moves from a PDP’s general land-use allocations to specific plot layout planning. This shift in planning will enable the cities to better address the specific needs and demands of each neighborhood. This will ensure that infrastructure and services like housing, industry, green open spaces, agriculture, and services like energy, transport, education, health, and waste are strategically located and efficiently utilized. Additionally, by involving local communities in the planning process, GGGI aims to foster a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents, ultimately leading to more sustainable and inclusive urban development.

Figure 1: Launch of the Gulu PDP at Gulu City Hall Yard on 12th September 2023. Photo by GGGI

Figure 2: Launch of the Arua PDP at Arua City Hall on 14th September 2023. Photo by GGGI

The events in both cities were attended by the Global Green Growth Institute, the Ministry of Finance Planning and Economic Development (MoFPED), the Ministry of Local Government (MLG), Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development (MLHUD), National Physical Planning Board (NPPB), National Planning Authority (NPA), and representatives from Gulu City and Arua City.

Author:

Mildred Nakagwe

Communications Consultant

Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)