By Urban authorities in the Western region have been urged to prioritize effective waste management and responsible land use planning as key drivers of sustainable urban development. The call was made during the Western Region Urban Authorities Association of Uganda (UAAU) meeting, which opened this week in Rukungiri Municipality.
Charles Magumba, Commissioner for Urban Administration at the Ministry of Local Government, delivered the keynote address on behalf of Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya. He emphasized the need for a paradigm shift in how urban centers manage waste and government land, warning that unchecked urban sprawl and poor sanitation continue to undermine growth and service delivery.
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Magumba called for waste segregation at household level, improved collection and disposal systems, and recognition of waste as a potential economic resource. “The new National Waste Management Policy has been developed in collaboration with the ministries of Lands, Water, Energy, and ICT to address waste handling from generation to recycling,” he said. He added that the policy is expected to be tabled for approval soon.
He also commended urban leaders for efforts to safeguard government land, describing it as a strategic asset that can attract private sector investment through public-private partnerships (PPPs). “When land is presented as equity, it draws partners with the capital needed to drive development,” Magumba noted.
UAAU President Sanya K.F. Wilson urged members to stay focused on service delivery, particularly in the areas of waste and land management. “Creating livable cities requires vision, coordination, and discipline in implementing long-term land use plans,” he said. “Our members must rise to this challenge if we are to meet the goals of the New Urban Agenda.”
The meeting also tackled ongoing efforts to harmonize revenue collection frameworks, with a focus on streamlining how local governments levy fees on businesses while staying within national regulatory standards.
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Held under the theme “Enhancing the New Urban Agenda: Focus on the UAAU Member’s Charter, Waste Management, and Land Use Management in Urban Local Governments,” the regional engagement in Rukungiri is the first in a series of sessions set to take place across the country. Similar meetings are planned for Kitgum (Northern Region), Kapchorwa (Eastern Region), and Mubende (Central Region) between now and May 23, 2025.
Participants included officials from cities, municipalities, town councils, and divisions, who gathered to exchange experiences, share innovations, and reinforce their joint mandate to deliver quality urban services
