Leaders from Mukono District Local Government have convened a five-day leadership retreat at the Civil Service College in Jinja to review the progress and performance of the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Urban Development Programme (GKMA–UDP) since its inception.The retreat has brought together all 43 District Councilors representing sub-counties and town councils, led by the District Chairperson, Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa. The technical team is headed by Ms. Eunice Evelyne Alowo, Clerk to Council, representing the Chief Administrative Officer, Ms. Elizabeth Namanda. The main objective of the retreat is to assess achievements, address emerging challenges, and explore opportunities for enhanced coordination in implementing the GKMA– UDP.
It also serves as a platform for leaders to share experiences and strategies for sustainable urban development across the district. During the session, Mr. Kamoga Hamuza, the District Physical Planner, emphasized the central role of physical planning in shaping the future of Mukono Municipality. He noted that proper land use management remains critical because land is a finite resource. “Effective physical planning must be based on proper land use management since land itself cannot expand in size,” Mr. Kamoga explained. He cautioned residents and leaders to strictly adhere to the Physical Planning Act, warning that no individual or institution should undertake development without official approval.
He further noted that some local leaders misuse their authority by issuing permits outside their mandate, which undermines planning efforts, especially amid limited financial and technical capacity. “There is a misconception that rural areas do not need structured planning,” he added. “That mindset leads to disorganized growth, conflicts, and poor service delivery.”
In his opening address, Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa urged leaders to uphold integrity and focus on service delivery despite the ongoing political season. “As we enter this political season, let us not lose sight of our responsibility as leaders and pioneers of this great program,” he said. “Politics will come and go, but service to our people must remain our highest calling.” He reminded participants that leadership is a sacred trust and that their actions today will shape how future generations remember them. “Lead with vision, integrity, and unity of purpose,” he urged. “Because true leadership is about sacrifice and service.”
Hon. Bakaluba Mukasa also appealed to the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area Secretariat to prioritize key infrastructure projects in Mukono, including the Nakifuma Market Project and the Bukerere–Kiyunga Road, to promote balanced growth across the district.
He encouraged leaders to identify and address challenges affecting project implementation, strengthen inter-departmental coordination, and align local priorities with national development goals to foster sustainable urban growth and community well-being. Through united leadership between political and technical teams, the district seeks to accelerate urban transformation and ensure a well- planned, inclusive, and sustainable future for all residents.
By Derrick Kaddu, Communication Officer, Mukono District
