Mbarara

Mbarara’s planning authorities identify rapid, partly unplanned growth as a central challenge for the city. Expansion has increased pressure on transport, markets, housing, water, environmental management and other services, while newly incorporated areas require a coherent physical framework rather than piecemeal subdivision and development.

The city is preparing comprehensive planning for these areas and is also included in Uganda’s Cities and Municipalities Infrastructure Development programme. That national programme combines climate-smart roads, drainage, lighting and public facilities with stronger urban management. For Mbarara, the two strands are complementary: physical planning determines where development should occur, while infrastructure investment provides the networks that make those areas functional. The result is an urban agenda focused on managing expansion before congestion and service deficits become harder to reverse.