KAMPALA, Uganda — The scale of urban displacement in Kampala is drawing mounting concern, with hundreds of families pushed out of their homes amid redevelopment projects, infrastructure expansion, and enforcement operations.
In neighbourhoods such as Kisenyi, Naguru, and Nakawa, residents report abrupt evictions, demolitions, and growing pressure from landlords and developers seeking to capitalise on rising land values.
Officials from the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) maintain that the operations are necessary to restore order and guide the capital’s growth. Executive Director Dorothy Kisaka has previously emphasised the need for structured urban planning, warning that illegal developments and poor drainage systems pose risks to residents.
KCCA spokesperson Daniel NuweAbine has also defended the enforcement, saying authorities issue notices and follow legal procedures before carrying out evictions, and urging residents to comply with planning regulations.
Despite these assurances, many affected residents describe chaotic scenes, saying they had little time to prepare or seek alternatives. Some claim eviction notices were unclear or difficult to challenge, leaving them vulnerable to sudden displacement.
At the national level, Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba has backed enforcement against illegal land occupation, stressing that development must follow the law while calling for more structured resettlement plans to minimise social disruption.
The human impact is increasingly visible. Many displaced families have relocated to informal settlements in areas like Bwaise and Kawempe, where overcrowding, poor sanitation, and unemployment are compounding already fragile living conditions. Others have left the city altogether, returning to rural homes with limited economic prospects.
Urban policy analysts warn that without inclusive planning, Kampala risks deepening inequality. While infrastructure development remains critical, they argue it must be matched with affordable housing options and transparent compensation mechanisms.
Amid the growing debate, emerging political voices are beginning to frame displacement as a key issue. Kampala-based figure Nyanzi Martin Luther has signalled interest in a future mayoral bid, positioning urban housing and displacement at the centre of his agenda, with proposals focused on affordability, resettlement, and stronger protections against forced evictions.
As the city expands, the challenge remains whether modernisation can be balanced with dignity. For many already displaced, the issue is immediate—finding stability and a place to call home.
