By The Ministry of Local Government (MoLG), in partnership with the National Planning Authority (NPA), has convened a national workshop bringing together physical planners from across the country to validate new guidelines aimed at strengthening Uganda’s physical planning framework.
The workshop, opened by the MoLG Permanent Secretary, focused on guidelines for preparing and approving physical development plans, handling appeals and changes in land use, and applying a new physical planning compliance assessment tool.
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In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary welcomed representatives from districts including Amolatar, Adjumani, and Karenga, praising their commitment to the planning process. He urged participants to transfer the knowledge gained to colleagues who could not attend.
He emphasized that aligning local development plans with the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP) and Vision 2040 was vital for attracting investment and driving economic growth. But he also acknowledged that many local governments still face serious challenges.
“Some districts lack funds and personnel to fully implement physical planning functions, while in others, planning committees are inactive,” he said. “This has led to unplanned settlements, uncontrolled construction, and environmental degradation.”
To plug the gaps, the Ministry is collaborating with Makerere University’s College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) to deploy graduate trainees who will help districts prepare affordable physical development plans. The Permanent Secretary urged local governments to take advantage of the initiative, stressing that “the reorganization of physical planning is vital if we are to achieve meaningful social and economic transformation.”
NPA Executive Director Dr. Joseph Muvawala used the platform to announce new reforms, including the creation of a dedicated fund for physical planning and clearer reporting lines for physical planners to improve efficiency and accountability.
Dr. Muvawala challenged planners to ensure every local government develops structural and detailed plans down to the village level. He also discouraged the over-reliance on expensive consultants, calling instead for in-house expertise and peer training.
“Participants of this workshop should serve as trainers of trainers in their districts so that knowledge reaches the grassroots,” he said, adding that physical planning meetings should evolve into regular forums for knowledge-sharing.
The workshop marks a critical step toward a coordinated and professional physical planning system in Uganda—one that strengthens compliance, empowers local governments, and supports sustainable development.
