Uganda to Demolish Old, Unfit Buildings Along Main Streets, Starting in Kampala

KAMPALA — The Ugandan government is set to begin demolishing old, poorly planned and structurally unsuitable buildings along major streets, starting with Kampala, as part of efforts to improve urban planning and the appearance of cities and towns.

State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Hon. Persis Namuganza said the exercise would begin soon in Kampala before being extended to other cities, municipalities and urban centres across the country.

Namuganza made the announcement on Thursday while unveiling the second Uganda Real Estate and Housing Expo (UREHE) 2026, scheduled for September 25–26 at Kingdom Kampala Gardens under the theme “Adequate Housing for All.” The expo is being convened by the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development and organised by Douglas Events Ltd.

The minister said the planned enforcement is intended to ensure that buildings in urban areas comply with approved physical development plans and contribute to orderly growth of Uganda's rapidly expanding towns and cities.

According to Namuganza, the government will enforce provisions of the Physical Planning Act, 2010, together with its amendments, which provide for the planning and regulation of physical development across the country.

“We shall have no room for houses which are not on plan,” Namuganza said.

Buildings to be assessed

Namuganza said authorities would particularly target buildings that have outlived their usefulness, are poorly planned or are considered unsuitable for prominent locations along major streets.

She said some buildings have been constructed too close to one another, leaving inadequate space for access, drainage and other essential services.

“We are no longer going to allow houses that are being constructed squeezing one another, leaving just a narrow gap in between,” she said.

The minister said the government would also examine buildings along major streets that, in its assessment, no longer meet the required standards or are inconsistent with the desired appearance and development of urban areas.

“We are not going to spare any house in any city, town or municipality which has outlived its usefulness,” Namuganza said.

She added that buildings identified for removal would be marked with an “X” to indicate that they are earmarked for demolition.

Owners given redevelopment option

The government, however, says property owners will first have an opportunity to redevelop properties that can be brought into compliance with planning requirements.

Namuganza said owners who have properties but lack the financial resources to redevelop them can explore partnerships with the government through public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements.

The Ministry of Lands has established a desk where property owners can discuss possible redevelopment partnerships and financing arrangements.

“If the developers do not have money to develop them, we have opened up a desk at the ministry. Come and partner with us under a PPP arrangement to develop them,” she said.

Under the proposed arrangements, Namuganza said the government and property owners could agree on how units in redeveloped properties would be shared. She also said government could consider buying some of the properties where appropriate.

“We shall discuss how we can share units, or the government can buy off such properties, but we are no longer going to have houses that have outlived their usefulness.”

Kampala to lead the exercise

Kampala will be the first area targeted under the planned exercise before the programme is rolled out to other urban centres.

The government says the exercise will be guided partly by the Uganda Cities and Municipal Infrastructure Development agenda, which seeks to support better-planned and more functional urban areas.

The move comes as Uganda's towns and cities continue to expand, increasing pressure on land, infrastructure, roads, drainage systems and other urban services.

The Ministry's approach places emphasis on ensuring that new and existing developments are integrated into approved physical plans rather than being constructed without consideration for access roads, drainage, utilities and other public infrastructure.

Real estate sector takes centre stage

Namuganza's announcement came as the Ministry prepares for the second Uganda Real Estate and Housing Expo, which will bring together property developers, investors, financial institutions, construction companies, architects, planners, valuers, surveyors, technology firms and government agencies.

The two-day expo will focus on housing, investment, urban development and solutions to Uganda's housing needs. Organisers expect more than 100 exhibitors from at least 10 countries to participate.

The event is also expected to provide a platform for stakeholders in the real estate and construction sectors to discuss financing, affordable housing, sustainable construction, planning and investment opportunities.

For property owners affected by the planned enforcement, the ministry's proposed PPP option could provide an alternative to simply losing properties that cannot be redeveloped due to financial constraints.

The government has not yet publicly detailed the specific streets, buildings or timelines that will be covered in the first phase of the demolition exercise. Further assessments and enforcement actions are expected as the programme gets underway.

The planned operation therefore signals a tougher approach to physical planning enforcement, with the government seeking to balance redevelopment of ageing properties, compliance with planning requirements and the need to improve the appearance and functionality of Uganda's urban centres.