Kampala Lord Mayor Rejects Capital city Relocation to Nakasongola

[Eronda]

Kampala Lord Mayor Ronald Balimwezo has rejected a proposal to move Uganda’s administrative capital from Kampala, arguing that such a major decision requires broad public consultation and must follow the law.

Balimwezo said the proposal announced by State Minister for Urban Development Margaret Muhanga should not be treated as a policy decision that government can simply communicate to the public without first consulting Ugandans, particularly Kampala residents.

We respect the Minister and the Government. However, changing the capital is not a decision that should simply be announced. It is a matter that must be openly debated and discussed with the people of Uganda, particularly the people of Kampala,” Balimwezo said in a statement issued on Sunday.

Government is considering Nakasongola as a new administrative centre under a phased plan running up to 2040. Muhanga said President Museveni supports relocating ministries, departments and government agencies from Kampala.

Nakasongola has been identified for the proposed administrative centre because of its central location, availability of land and relatively low population density.

Government officials have argued that shifting administrative functions could ease congestion and reduce the pressure on Kampala’s infrastructure, which has become increasingly difficult and expensive to expand.

Balimwezo, however, said the solution should be to invest in Kampala and develop other urban centres simultaneously rather than move the capital.

“Kampala is not just a city; it is the heartbeat of Uganda. It is the country's economic centre, with more than 4.5 million people living, working, and conducting business in the wider metropolitan area,” he said.

Instead of relocating government offices, Balimwezo called for increased funding to Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and other urban centres to address infrastructure and service delivery challenges.

“Rather than moving the capital, we should focus on improving Kampala and developing other cities at the same time. We should invest in better roads, public transportation, waste management, infrastructure, housing, and other essential services,” he said.

He warned that moving administrative functions could have significant social and economic consequences for people and businesses that have built their livelihoods around Kampala.

“Moving the capital would have a significant impact. It could disrupt businesses, displace families, and affect many people whose livelihoods depend on Kampala,” Balimwezo said.

The Lord Mayor also criticised what he described as inadequate government funding for KCCA, saying the authority requires Shs2.4 trillion annually but receives only about 40% of the amount.
Source Nile Post