After various stakeholders consultations, Ministry of Lands is set to officially launch National Physical Development Plan 2021 /2040 this Wednesday.
Uganda is among the few African countries with a National Physical Development (Spatial) plan which was approved under Minute 407(CT 2023) in November 2023 and gazzetted on 13th November 2023.
Addressing the media in Kampala Lands minister Judith Nabakooba said although Uganda has National Development Plan III (NDP III) and Vision 2040, the spatial comprehensive national development plan component was missing yet very critical for strategic location of our cities, infrastructure planning as well as orderly, efficient and sustainable use of land, as a fixed resource.
“The National Physical Development Plan is key in reorganizing and ensuring optimal use of the available land, through several proposed strategies. Globally, demand for land for the various functions is increasing. This demand is even higher with increasing urbanization and population growth rate,” Judith Nabakooba said.
She said overall, national level spatial decisions have not been guided by a well thought out comprehensive spatial framework hence negated the optimal utilization of land and land-based resources, efficiency and effectiveness of infrastructure networks, as well as undermined the integrity of the environment especially the eco- sensitive areas.
“The NPDP connects very well with the current Vision 2040, which aims at transforming Uganda from a predominantly peasant and low-income country to a competitive, middle income, and modern industrialised nation,”she stressed.
According to Nabakooba National Physical Development Plan (NPDP 2021-2040) will enable Uganda to achieve Increased productivity in Agriculture with agro-processing industries and to export markets via the proposed transport corridors.
It will also act as a guide in safeguarding the protected areas and avoid degradation of natural resources.
“The NPDP provides for the analytical parameters for the planned allocation, use and management of the country’s land and other natural resources, as well as the most efficient location of infrastructure, towns and cities, and how they link to the surrounding rural areas,” Nabakooba explained.
It is also intended to serve as a framework through which the spatial location of investments, as well as planning and management of resources are guided at the national level.
” The NPDP is a tool that identifies spatial planning issues and concerns, particularly those which are relevant at the local, regional and national levels by recognizing physical and competitive environments that initiate, direct and foster the most efficient use of our land, “the Minister emphasised.
The vision and goals for NPDP are anchored in robust and sustainable economic growth and development with social equity. It is about inclusive, orderly and sustainable development for all, such that the use of the country’s land and other physical resources yields the greatest economic benefit for the present and future generations.
