The government has revealed plans to begin relocating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) from Kampala to Nakasongola as part of a long-term strategy to establish a more organised administrative capital outside the congested city.State Minister for Urban Development Margaret Muhanga told Parliament’s Lands and Housing Committee that President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni supports the proposed relocation plan, which will be implemented gradually over several years.Muhanga explained that the relocation will not happen overnight but will instead follow a phased approach, with selected government institutions moving first.
She said the full transition could take years and is part of Uganda’s long-term development vision extending towards 2040.The minister argued that Kampala’s increasing congestion, traffic challenges and poor urban planning have made the city difficult for many people to live and work in. She noted that citizens spend excessive time in traffic, affecting productivity and the economy.According to Muhanga, Nakasongola was selected because it provides an opportunity to create a well-planned administrative centre from the ground up. She said the area has sufficient land, lower population pressure and a strategic location that makes it suitable for future government expansion.
The minister ruled out relocating the capital functions to existing regional cities such as Mbarara, Fort Portal or Gulu, saying some of these urban areas already face planning challenges similar to those affecting Kampala.Muhanga also moved to reassure Kampala property owners who fear losing business opportunities if government offices are moved. She said Kampala will continue to remain an important commercial city and that relocation of administrative offices does not mean the city will lose its value.The proposal received support from Lands and Housing Committee Chairperson Edson Rugumayo, who urged government to provide a clear roadmap on how the relocation plan will be achieved. He said the idea has been discussed for years and encouraged authorities to begin practical steps, including consideration of moving key institutions such as Parliament and the Executive.
