Captain Mike Mukula
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Veteran politician and former NRM vice chairperson for Eastern Uganda, Capt. Mike Mukula, has called for the creation of a new, well-planned city to serve as Uganda’s future capital.
Mukula says Kampala has outgrown its original capacity and can no longer sustain the demands of a modern state.
“Kampala has outgrown its capacity as Uganda’s capital. It can no longer sustain the demands of a modern state. We need to reimagine and gazette a new, well-planned metropolis—with a modern airport, Parliament, Central Bank, judiciary, and security hubs. The future city must start now,” Mukula said.
Kampala was originally designed to accommodate about 100,000 people. However, the city has now grown to host over 4 million residents during the day, putting immense pressure on infrastructure, transport, and public services.
Mukula points out that one of the biggest challenges is traffic congestion. Commuters spend hours stuck on narrow roads that were never designed for the current number of vehicles. Efforts such as the Kampala Flyover project and road expansions have helped, but traffic remains a daily nightmare.
“The city also battles flooding, especially during rainy seasons. Poor drainage systems and uncontrolled construction have worsened the situation, with several roads and business centers becoming impassable after heavy rains.”
He noted that garbage collection and pollution are another major concern, adding that despite of efforts by the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) to uphold sanity, heaps of uncollected waste are a common sight in markets and suburbs, leading to health risks and environmental degradation.
Over the years, the government has tried to decongest Kampala by granting city status to other regional hubs such as Mbarara, Gulu, Mbale, Fort Portal, Arua, Hoima, and Jinja. The aim was to spread development and reduce pressure on the capital.
However, Kampala remains the main administrative, economic, and political center of Uganda. Most government offices, financial institutions, and corporate headquarters are still concentrated in the city, drawing more people daily.
Mukula’s proposal to gazette a new, well-planned city reflects growing concerns about Kampala’s sustainability. Urban planners and policymakers have previously suggested relocating some government institutions to ease congestion.
If implemented, the plan could pave the way for a modern, purpose-built capital equipped with advanced infrastructure, improved transport systems, and smart urban planning — one that matches Uganda’s long-term vision for growth and modernization.
About the Author
