Fresh tensions are rising across Kampala following a series of evictions that have rendered dozens of families homeless, intensifying debate over the city’s approach to urban redevelopment.
The operations, carried out in several informal settlements, are part of broader efforts by city authorities to reclaim public land and enforce planning regulations. However, affected residents say the process has been abrupt and lacking in adequate consultation.
We woke up to the sound of bulldozers. There was no time to save anything,” said one resident from a demolished settlement in the city’s outskirts. Many families now remain stranded, struggling to find shelter as rents continue to surge in the capital.
Government officials have defended the evictions as lawful and necessary. Simon Peter Mundeyi stated that the exercise is intended to “protect lives and ensure that urban development follows established legal frameworks,” adding that illegal structures in high-risk zones cannot be tolerated.
Despite this, civil society organizations have condemned the manner in which the evictions are being conducted. Human Rights Network Uganda warned that forced displacement without proper resettlement mechanisms undermines social stability and exposes already vulnerable populations to deeper hardship.
Urban planners note that Kampala’s rapid population growth has outpaced infrastructure development, leading to the expansion of informal settlements. Without affordable housing alternatives, they argue, eviction-driven policies risk worsening inequality rather than resolving it.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has reiterated its commitment to restoring order but acknowledged the need for more inclusive strategies moving forward. Officials say discussions are ongoing regarding long-term housing solutions, though timelines remain unclear.
The crisis has also drawn commentary from aspiring political leaders. Nyanzi Martin Luther, who has announced plans to run for Lord Mayor in 2041, criticized the current approach, calling for reforms that prioritize citizens’ welfare.
Cities must grow with their people, not against them,” he said in a recent statement, proposing policies focused on affordable housing, structured resettlement, and community engagement.
As the debate unfolds, the plight of displaced residents continues to highlight the urgent need for a balanced urban policy—one that aligns development ambitions with the fundamental rights of Kampala’s growing population.
