By Spy Uganda
Kampala: The government has officially launched the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP) financed by the International Development Association,
The grand plan is set to revolutionize the country’s approach to land use, infrastructure development, and urbanization.
Speaking during the launch on Wednesday 17 April, 2024 at the Office of the president in Kampala, the minister for Lands ,Housing and Urban Development Judith Nabakooba called upon all actors to take seriously physical planning, implementation and enforcement particularly in the 10 new regional cities in order to make strengthen operations including within local governments .
“The National Physical Development Plan is informed by the fact that land, despite its competitiveness, is the only resource that can neither be increased or decreased and therefore requires good planning. However, all developments in the cities and towns have been lacking a major guiding plan that specifically defines the proper utilization of land. Today, this launch, this product- the National Physical Development Plan, answers the issue of land within our development goals” she emphasized.
Minister Nabakooba further highlighted the pivotal role of the NPDP cities and urban centers in line with modern industrialization and national development.
“In the new cities so far, and so are all urban centers across the country, urbanization is one of the transformative and challenging trends leaders are facing. The pace is fast, now recorded at 4.5% growth per annum, and the urban population in general projected to nearly double by 2040 from the current 11m to over 20m. This means we need a guide to planning for our people and our resources.” she said.
Adding that ”It will therefore further guide on the best utilization of land and its use for the greatest economic benefit for present and future generations. This plan does not come in to replace other existing efforts such as those on physical planning but rather to supplement and guide their efforts for better cohesion”.
The NPDP, approved under Minute 407(CT 2023) in November 2023 and gazetted on 13th November 2023, fills a crucial gap in Uganda’s national planning framework.
While existing documents like the Comprehensive National Development Planning Framework (CNDF), National Development Plan III (NDP III), and Vision 2040 outline broader development goals, the NPDP provides a detailed spatial strategy vital for strategic city location, infrastructure planning, and sustainable land use.
The plan focuses on several key objectives:
- Enhanced Agricultural Productivity: By establishing agro-processing industries and efficient transport corridors, the NPDP aims to boost agricultural productivity and facilitate access to export markets.
- Industrial Development: The plan seeks to establish properly serviced industrial sites along infrastructure corridors, fostering industrialization and economic growth.
- Urban Prosperity: Urban areas are envisioned as engines of economic growth, with development patterns aligned to support industrial and agricultural activities.
- Environmental Conservation: Recognizing the importance of safeguarding protected areas and preserving natural resources, the NPDP aims to mitigate environmental degradation.
The development of the NPDP was a collaborative effort involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, academia, media, and the general public. This participatory approach ensures broad stakeholder involvement and support for the plan’s implementation.
The NPDP provides a comprehensive framework for guiding land allocation, infrastructure development, and resource management at the national level.
It identifies spatial planning issues, evaluates appropriate locations for key investments, and formulates specific strategies to achieve national development objectives.
Key planning paradigms integrated into the NPDP include market orientation, private-public sector partnerships, spatial integration, rational urban development, equitable resource distribution, environmental stability, people empowerment, and food security.
The Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development will oversee the preparation of regional, district, and local physical plans, ensuring alignment with the NPDP and the National Development Plan.
