Greetings from the Advocates Coalition for Development and Environment (ACODE) and welcome to the 2nd Issue of the Local Governance Briefer. This issue is addressing the socio-economic and political implications of the creation of 15 secondary cities in Uganda. It raises legal, governance, and administrative policy concerns associated with the new cities for both policy makers and practitioners alike.
Currently, Uganda is undergoing a rapid urbanisation trajectory estimated at 20%. It is envisaged that Uganda will be among most urbanised countries in Africa by 2050. The Government of Uganda has prioritised urbanization under the Vision 2040. To realise this urbanisation agenda, the Government has also gazetted Town Boards, Town Councils Municipal Councils and Cities as a launch-pad for urbanization. The Constitution of Uganda Article 179 (a) and the Local Governments Act, CAP.243 mandate parliament to create new cities through alteration of boundaries of the existing districts. On May 20, 2019, Uganda’s Cabinet approved the phased creation of 15 cities across the country including cities like Arua, Mbarara, Gulu, Jinja, Fort Portal, Mbale, Masaka, Wakiso, Entebbe, Hoima, Lira, Moroto, Nakasongola, Soroti and Kabale. Backed by resolutions from respective District Councils, the Ministry of Local Government presented bills in Parliament seeking a phased upgrading of the urban areas mentioned above.
Urbanisation and creation of well-facilitated and functionally active cities are the engines of economic growth and prosperity. No country has reached middle income without urbanizing. Economic development in the West and more recently in the East Asian growth miracles were achieved through structural transformations that started with the move of agricultural labour to higher-productivity jobs in urban manufacturing and services. Population densities bring workers closer to jobs, increasing workers’ opportunities and fueling their productivity. Cities and towns bring people physically closer, facilitating the exchange of ideas and bringing about innovations.
For cities economic growth to rhyme with its population there must be the creation of productive environments that can attract investment, increase economic efficiency and create liveable environments. If cities are well planned, they should be able to provide infrastructure, generate and promote competitive industries and provide higher-paying jobs among other opportunities. We have however noticed that unplanned cities and urban growth leading to environmental degradation, unplanned settlements, poor housing, and poor basic service provision to mention but a few.
Therefore, the second issue of the ACODE Local Governance Briefer presents expert policy, administrative and legal issues for decision-makers and practitioners to address the challenges that emerge with the new cities.
Finally, we invite your feedback to help us know how useful the Briefer is to your work and how we can improve it. While ACODE is the publisher of this briefer, the views expressed herein are strictly for the authors.
