The dynamics of urbanisation in Kampala, Uganda: Towards a possible alternative policy framework
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Date
2015
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
University of the Western Cape
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.
Description
Philosophiae Doctor - PhD
Keywords
Kampala, Uganda, Urbanisation, Public policy, Poverty, Underdevelopment