Hon. Raphael Magyezi, Minister of Local Government, has launched the second Cities Symposium and Expo under the theme: “Building Green, Resilient, and Climate Responsive Cities for All.” The theme aligns with the Ministry’s mission to oversee and promote the development of local governments, ensuring urbanization contributes to improving the quality of life for all Ugandans.
Speaking at the launch, organized by Cities Consortium, the Minister emphasized the urgent need to address urban challenges with smart, green, resilient, and climate-responsive solutions. He noted that these strategies are crucial for the sustainability of cities and for enhancing the living conditions, economic opportunities, and safety of their residents.
Reflecting on the progress since the first symposium in 2018, Hon. Magyezi highlighted remarkable developments in city vibrancy and growth. The expo is scheduled for March 2025 in Mbarara City.
He also noted the advancements in the cities such as financial and revenue management, staffing levels, solid waste management, and physical planning.
The Commissioner Urban Administration, Charles Magumba who represented the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government in his remarks said Uganda is currently the fastest Urbanising Country in Africa at a rate of 5.2 %, he added “this rate of Urbanisation need to be addressed with interventions that will create a liveable and Sustainable Country for today and tomorrow with an Economically transformed population”.
In his closing remarks, the Minister urged ministries, departments, agencies, development partners, private sector actors, urban authorities, sponsors, and other stakeholders to actively participate in preparations for the upcoming event.
