The dynamics of urbanisation in Kampala, Uganda: Towards a possible alternative policy framework

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to investigate the dynamics explaining Kampala's urbanisation, with a view of analysing their implications for an alternative urban policy framework for this city. This study was motivated by the fact that information about these dynamics and their policy implications was scanty; yet its understanding in a comprehensive manner was necessary to develop a suitable urban policy for Kampala. Consequently, this study was set to meet four objectives, which focused on (1) analysing the informal dynamics explaining Kampala's urbanisation from 1990 to 2013 and their policy implications; (2) investigating the formal dynamics responsible for the urbanisation of Kampala City from 1990 to 2013 and their policy implications; (3) establishing residents' satisfaction dynamics defining Kampala City urban changes resulting from official dynamics undertaken from 1990 to 2013 and their policy implications; and (4) identifying the dynamics that needed to be integrated in a policy framework that can be used to effectively prevent or halt Kampala's unplanned urbanisation while promoting planned urbanisation. To achieve these objectives, the study adopted a mixed methods design. The sample constituted 24 purposively selected key informants and 720 city residents selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires. Qualitative data were analysed using narrative and thematic techniques complimented by the descriptive method. This method was also used together with the factor analysis method to analyse quantitative data. Findings revealed that the informal dynamics that explained Kampala's unplanned urbanisation during the period 1990-2013 included unofficial administrative dynamics; unofficial political influence; political unrest caused by internal and regional civil wars; the city's attractiveness to jobseekers, job-makers and migrants from war-ravaged areas; and excessive rural poverty and underdevelopment. The formal dynamics which explained Kampala's urbanisation during the same period included official administrative dynamics, government political intervention, modernisation agenda implemented through government investment promotion programme, legal framework, and urban policy dynamics.