news 23 September 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Kampala Buildings Face Demolition as Government Enforces Planning Standards
The Ugandan government plans to identify and potentially demolish older buildings in Kampala that are deemed to have "outlived their usefulness" as part of a crackdown on physical planning standards. Minister Persis Namuganza announced that buildings not conforming to modern urban development ideals will be marked with an 'X'. Source: https://observer.ug/news/is-your-building-on-govts-demolition-list
Owners of older properties in Kampala should be prepared for potential government scrutiny as authorities prepare to enforce new physical planning standards. State Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Princess Persis Namuganza, announced that buildings considered obsolete or non-compliant with urban development plans will be marked with an ‘X’ and could face demolition.
The initiative, set to begin in Kampala before expanding to other urban centers, aims to ensure that new constructions adhere to proper layout, access, and infrastructure integration, moving away from haphazard development. “We are no longer going to spare any house in the city or town, starting with those whose time has passed,” Namuganza stated.
The government intends to implement the national physical planning and development plan to guide future urban growth. Buildings along major streets that do not align with the planned character of cities will be specifically targeted. The Building Control Act, particularly its 2026 amendment, provides the legal framework for addressing dilapidated or non-compliant structures, empowering Building Committees and the National Building Review Board to issue demolition or evacuation orders.
For property owners unable to afford redevelopment, the ministry is opening opportunities for public-private partnerships. The government may also consider buying out such land. However, some real estate developers have expressed concerns, urging caution against negatively impacting property owners and suggesting the development of entirely new, well-planned urban areas instead of retrofitting existing ones.
Developers also highlighted the importance of preserving buildings with architectural or historical significance, advocating for redesigns rather than outright demolition. The government has not yet specified the exact criteria for marking buildings, the notification process for owners, or avenues for appealing decisions, leaving property owners uncertain about the practical implications of this redevelopment drive.
https://observer.ug/news/is-your-building-on-govts-demolition-list