UGANDA, Mbarara | Real Muloodi News | Mbarara City faces urban development challenges as the unregulated real estate sector fuels the emergence of city slums in various areas, including Kisenyi, Biafra, Kijungu, Kajogo, Kiyanja, and Kiswahili.
Despite being one of the country’s fastest-growing cities, Mbarara grapples with inadequate planning, leading to the unnecessary subdivision of land.
In recent years, urban development in Mbarara City has seen a surge in population, triggering a rush to purchase land for residential and commercial purposes.
However, the lack of effective regulation in the real estate sector has resulted in the subdivision of land into smaller plots, measuring as little as 50 by 30 feet, contrary to the standard size of at least 50 by 100 feet.
City officials, including Mr. Jomo Mugabe, the Mbarara City South Division mayor, highlight the negative impact of real estate brokers and corrupt practices within the sector, exacerbating the problem.
Concerns have been raised about the exploitation of semi-rural areas, where large estates are subdivided into tiny plots, contributing to the proliferation of slums.
Mr. Didas Muhanguzi, the Mbarara City South Town Clerk, stressed the need for increased government resources for planning to recruit more staff and establish a comprehensive physical planning master plan for the city.
Local leaders, including LCs, councillors, and opinion leaders, have been engaged in discussions to address the challenges posed by the poorly regulated real estate sector.
Despite efforts to discourage the sale of small plots, challenges persist. Real estate companies are reportedly exploiting legal avenues, using lawyers to navigate the situation.
The city authorities, represented by Mr. Muhanguzi, expressed the intention to engage with these companies to find solutions.
The current situation raises concerns about the city’s future development, echoing issues faced by other urban centres like Kampala.
Proper physical planning is deemed essential to prevent the uncontrolled sale of substandard plots and ensure the sustainable growth of Mbarara City.
Mr. Chris Baguma, the chairman of Kamukuzi Cell, accused city authorities of sidelining residents during the drafting of physical planning regulations.
He emphasised the importance of opening designated roads before implementing plans on paper, as a rush for land without strict enforcement of physical planning may lead to further slum development.
Acknowledging the challenges, Mr. Goddie Kwizera, Mbarara City’s economic planner, attributed the issues to weak enforcement of regulations and a shortage of manpower.
He stressed the need for prioritising physical planning to create a detailed development plan, mapping streets, and improving city enforcement.
Real estate experts, including Mr. Daniel Arinda, CEO at Africus Real Estates, emphasise the disadvantages of subdividing plots, such as increased pressure on infrastructure like electricity supply.
Mr. Herbert Tushabe, a resident, called for the formal regulation of the real estate market, emphasising the importance of adhering to laws and standards for sustainable and professional growth in the sector.
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