The Ugandan government is preparing to start demolishing old and poorly planned buildings along major streets, beginning with Kampala before extending the exercise to other cities, municipalities and urban centres.
State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Persis Namuganza announced the plan while unveiling the second Uganda Real Estate and Housing Expo, scheduled for September 25–26, 2026, at Kingdom Kampala Gardens.
Namuganza said the exercise will target buildings that are poorly located, constructed without approved physical plans or have outlived their usefulness. She said the government will enforce the Physical Planning Act and ensure that urban developments leave enough space for roads, drainage and other essential services.
“We are not going to spare any house in any city, town or municipality which has outlived its usefulness,” Namuganza said.
However, property owners will reportedly be given an opportunity to renovate or redevelop their buildings according to approved plans before demolition is considered.
The minister said owners who cannot afford redevelopment can explore possible public-private partnership arrangements with the government. A desk has reportedly been established at the Ministry of Lands to discuss such options with affected property owners.
The exercise is part of wider government efforts to improve physical planning, infrastructure and the appearance of Uganda’s rapidly growing urban areas.
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