By George Bukenya
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) trashes allegations by Kampala residents about the demolition of all structures that were not constructed with permission easing the escalating tension that had engulfed the City dwellers.
The Authority’s Deputy Director.. Kigenyi while officiating at Kampala Physical Planning Open Day 2026 at Constitutional Square urged the masses to remain calm assuring them that the city’s administration has no intentions to demolish peoples housing facilities even if the owners didn’t follow proper channels.
He however warns those intending to develop building structures to secure permits from the Authority and this is done after getting the development plan from the professionals.
“ Many People in Kampala have been constructing houses and commercial buildings with KCCA permits, this has in turn caused several challenges like flooding and slum development in almost all parts of the city,’’ Kigenyi said.
“ We are becoming more conscious because we want to de-cluster the Kampala City to make it better organized to be able to accommodated the ever increasing population,’’ he explained.
According to Kigenyi, due to poor development of Building Structures in Kampala, the Eco system has been party obstructed causing challenges like floods, poor air and others, “ KCCA is now reviewing development plans because of such changes. We want to get back to our planning frame work.’’
The Deputy Director also warned the public to avoid using blockers while seeking to get building permits because they delay the whole process intentionally in order to justify the hefty amount they charge from their clients.
He revealed that a permit for the construction of a residential house costs UGX 1OO,OOO only while for a commercial building is issued at UGX 150,000 but blockers ask their clients more than a million shilling.
The Director in charge of Physical Planning at KCCA Vincent Byendamire revealed that only 15% of building in Kampala are linked on Sewerage system the majority use pit latrines which affects the environment.
Byendamire attributed the constant flooding of the city centre to an increase in the building structures, lack of trees and use of concretes all over the compound of such building causing all waters from roofing to run down the lower areas of the city center.
According to the recent population census by UBOS, Kampala City inhabits 1,789,000 people during night and during day time between 3.5 – 4.5 million. By 2030 the population of the city is projected to be 20 million yet space isn’t increasing, this calls for proper planning as agitated by Byendamire.
Kasaga Andrew a trader working at Shauri-Yako building said there’s need for KCCA to put a legacy to plan well for its people other than chasing them completely out of the city. This is because of the challenge of the high unemployment levels, people need to create their own jobs through trade.