Uganda’s government has announced plans to begin the gradual relocation of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) from Kampala to Nakasongola, in a move aimed at creating a better-planned administrative centre and easing pressure on the capital city.
State Minister for Urban Development Margaret Muhanga told Parliament’s Lands and Housing Committee that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is in support of the proposed relocation, describing it as a long-term solution to challenges affecting Kampala.
The minister said the transition will be carried out in phases, with some government institutions expected to move first before others follow. She explained that the process is not an immediate one and could continue up to 2040 in line with Uganda’s long-term development plans.
Muhanga highlighted Kampala’s worsening congestion, traffic jams and urban planning difficulties as some of the major reasons behind the proposed shift. She said the current situation affects productivity, with many residents spending several hours travelling to and from work every day.
She noted that Nakasongola offers a unique opportunity to establish a modern and organised administrative city because of its available land, central location and lower population density. According to the minister, developing a new government centre from scratch would allow proper planning unlike expanding already congested urban areas.
The minister dismissed suggestions that other major towns such as Mbarara, Fort Portal or Gulu could serve as alternative capitals, arguing that some of those cities also face planning challenges that could create similar problems in the future.
Muhanga assured Kampala investors and property owners that the relocation of government offices would not reduce the city’s importance. She said Kampala would continue operating as a major commercial hub and would remain valuable despite the planned administrative changes.
The proposal was welcomed by the Chairperson of Parliament’s Lands and Housing Committee, Edson Rugumayo, who called on government to present a clear implementation plan. He said the long-discussed idea should now move from discussion to action, with possible relocation of major institutions such as Parliament and the Executive considered as part of the process.
