Uganda has today launched the National Physical Development Plan (NPDP) which will guide the country on how best it can utilize its land resource.
The launch took place at the Office of the President and was presided over by the first deputy prime minister, Rebecca Kadaga who represented the Vice President Jessica Alupo.
In her speech, the minister of Lands, Judith Nabakooba said the NPDP 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.
“Ladies and gentlemen, a few years ago, government introduced a phased creation of cities that saw an elevation of many Municipal urban centers to regional cities. However, all developments in the cities and towns have been lacking a major guiding plan that specifically defines the proper utilisation of land. Today, this launch, this product- the National Physical Development Plan, answers the issue of land within our development goals,” she said.
She said the plan will help delivering our agricultural dream by refocusing the country’s agricultural sector from subsistence towards commercial by establishing transport corridors. Nabakooba said the NPDP will also guide in the development of urban centres where the land for expansion is so limited, given that unprecedented population growth. An expanded population deserved decent housing.
The minister of state for Urban Development Obiga Kania said the plan sets out the spatial strategic direction for development through optimal land utilization.
“Uganda’s development potential is greatly affected by inadequacies in physical planning. This is manifested by increasing informal settlements, inefficient transport systems, waste management challenges, increased vulnerabilities due to impacts of climate change and increased risks during events of natural disaster,” Obiga Kania said.
He said all government programs and projects will be required to align with the NPDP and subsequent level spatial plans prior to approval.
